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MEMOIRS 

OP TEE 

REV. SAMUEL J, MILLS, 

LATE MISSIONARY 

TO THE 

SOUTH WESTERN SECTION OF THE UNITED STATES, 

AND 

AGENT OF THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY, 

DEPUTED TO EXPLORE THE COAST OF AFRICA. 

BY GARDINER SPRING, D.D. 

VASTOR OF THE BRICK PRESBYTERIAN' CHURCH, IN THE CITY OF NEW-YORK- 



NEW-YORK : 

PUBLISHED BY THE NEW-YORK EVANGEEICAE MISSIONARY SOCIETt. 
/. Seymour, printer. 



1820, 



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Southern District qf Nerv-York, ss. 

BK IT RKMKMBERED, that on the ninth day Of March, in me lourry-ionrin ye; 
Independence of the United States of America, J. Seymour, (on behalf of the New-York 
Evangelical Missionary Society,) of the said District, hath deposited in this office the title of 
a book, the right whereof be claims as proprietor, in the words following, to wit : 

" Memoirs of the Rev. Samuel J. Mills, late Missionary to the South western section of the 
"United States, and Agent of the American Colonization Society, deputed to explore the 
" coast of Africa By Gardiner Spring, D. D. Pastor of the Brick Presbyterian Church, in the 
"city of New- York. 

'H a.yi'fi a £Vrei t* sat/riic." 

In conformity to the Act of the Congress of the United States, entitled "An Act for the en- 
couragement of Learning, by securing the Copies of Maps, Charts, and Books, to the authors 
and proprietors of such copies, during the time therein mentioned And also to an Act, entitled 
" an Act, supplementary to an Act, entitled an Act for the encouragement of Learning, by se- 
curing the copies of Maps, Charts, and Books, to the authors and proprietors ofsuchcopies.dur- 
ing the times therein mentioned, and extending the benefits thereof to the arts of designing, en- 
graving, and etching historical and other prints " 

GILBERT L. THOMPSON, 
Clerk of the Southern District of Hew- York. 



ttif 



By those who are acquainted with the pressure 
of ministerial duty, and the difficulty of collecting 
the materials for such a work, no apology will be 
demanded for the unexpected delay of this publica- 
tion. The writer laments that he has failed in the 
attempt to obtain what has appeared to him impor- 
tant information, and will sensibly feel his obligations 
to the friends and acquaintances of Mr. Mills, for 
communicating to him with perfect freedom, what- 
ever facts or observations may occur to their minds, 
in perusing these pages, which in their view, may be 
©f service to a future edition. 

New-York, March. 1820, 



)\ 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

PAGE 

His youth and conversion 9 

CHAPTER II. 

His education, and early devotion to the Missionary cause 17 

CHAPTER III. 

His interest and agency in the promotion of Foreign Missions 26 

CHAPTER IV. 

His acquaintance with Obookiah, and the consequent establishment of 
the Foreign Mission School 44 

CHAPTER V. 

His Missionary tours into the Western and Southern sections of the 
United States 57 

CHAPTER VI. 
His instrumentality in bringing forward the AmericanBible Society, and 
the United Foreign Missionary Society 95 

CHAPTER VII. 

His residence in New-York, and his exertions in behalf of the poor and 
ignorant in that city 108 

CHAPTER VIII. 

His exertions in behalf of Africa 121 

CHAPTER IX. 

His Journal as Agent of the Colonization Society 159 

CHAPTER X. 

His last illness and death. 224 

CHAPTER XI. 

His general character 230 

Conclusion 241 



ERRATUM. 

Page 106, tenth line from bottom, for Bombay, read Bambey. 



CHAPTER I. 



HIS YOUTH AND CONVERSION. 



Next to the devotions of the closet, and the perusal 
of the Holy Scriptures, there are few means of ad- 
vancement in the divine life better adapted to their 
end, than a familiar acquaintance with the lives of 
godly men. If Religion appears lovely when por- 
trayed merely in the simplicity and amiableness of 
her principles, how much more lovely when exhi- 
bited in the purity and benevolence of her conduct 
When we see something more than right views and 
holy dispositions ; when we behold not the portrait, 
but the living features of her excellence ; her image 
sinks into the soul. Few can rise from the Biogra- 
phy of such men as Xavier, Beveridge, Baxter, 
Brainerd, Edwards, and Fuller, without deep and 
vivid impressions of the worth of piety, and of the 
importance and feasibility of eminent attainments. 
Who that has traced the footsteps of some favoured 
child of mercy through all the toil and discourage- 
ment of the Christian life — that has seen his heavenly 
spirit — that has witnessed his piety toward God and 
his beneficence toward men — that, with delighted ad- 
miration, has pursued his path to the threshold of 
B 



10 MEMOIRS OF THE LATfi 

heaven; has not been eager to catch his falling man- 
tle, and bless the Father of mercies for raising up 
men to shine as lights in the world, and to shed a 
lustre through a long line of succeeding generations. 

No inconsiderable portion of this hallowed feeling 
will, it is believed, be excited by contemplating the 
character of the late Samuel J. Mills. If any man 
has a claim that his real character should be exhi- 
bited, and the extent of his usefulness impartially 
developed, this claim belongs to the subject of these 
Memoirs. While few men have more merited pub- 
lic applause and gratitude, few of such eminent use- 
fulness have received less than he. These we know 
were not the rewards he sought ; but it is not the 
less delightful, nor the less dutiful, that they should 
be the tribute we pay. 

It was the privilege of this beloved man to be the 
child of piousparents. He was the son of a venerable 
clergyman, " whose praise is in the churches," and 
who is now the Pastor of a respectable congregation 
in the town of Torringford, in the county of Litch- 
field, State of Connecticut. His mother was the 
daughter of Samuel Robbins, of a respectable fa- 
mily originally from Weathersfield, in Hartford 
county, in the same State. She was a woman of very 
exemplary character and pre-eminent piety, and one 
whose memory is embalmed in the hearts of all who 
knew her. Samuel was their third child, and was 
born the 21st of April, 1783. 

Could we without sacrilege enter the sanctuary of 
a mother's bosom, we might whisper a tale that 
would account for the distinguished usefulness with 



REV. SAMUEL 3. MILLS. II 

which God has condescended to favour some of the 
best of men. Many a godly mother can say, — " I 
have had peculiar solicitudes respecting this child. 
Even before its birth, I dedicated it to the Lord ; and 
then engaged that it should be unreservedly devoted 
to his glory. And when the little immortal was com- 
mitted to my arms, with many prayers and tears did 
I renew my engagements, till it was strongly impress- 
ed on my mind, that God had heard my cry and ac- 
cepted my offering." This is something more than 
fiction in relation to Mr. Mills. A plant so early 
watered might be expected to enjoy the most pa- 
tient care and unremitting tenderness in its progres- 
sive maturity. " Train up a child in the way he 
should go, and when he is old he will not depart 
from it," is a maxim too full of obligation and 
encouragement, to have been so long lost sight 
of by too many of the Christian Church. It is a 
precious thought, that God has engaged to pre- 
serve a church in the world from the children of 
believing parents. What pious parent will not be 
inspirited in his duty, when he surveys the children 
of his care, and remembers that it was once said, 
" Of such is the kingdom of heaven !" 

The childhood and youth of Mr. Mills were chiefly 
spent under his father's roof, in the possession of the 
most faithful instructions, and of the best kind. When 
quite a child, his mind exhibited no common sensi- 
bility to the concerns of religion, and was easily and 
sometimes deeply affected with his neglect of his re- 
ligious opportunities, and his ruined condition as a 
sinner. These impressions gradually wore away, 



12 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

until the year 1798, when they were revived, and 
his attention powerfully arrested, during a season 
of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon his native 
town*. This revival of religion took place about 
the time of a very general " outpouring" upon the 
churches of New-England. A minister of eminence, 
and who was once settled in Connecticut, informed 
the writer that he distinctly recollects of standing 
one day at his own door, and enumerating upward 
of seventy congregations, that lay under his eye, and 
that were contiguous with each other, who, that 
same year, were visited with seasons of refreshing 
from the divine presence. Not far from one hundred 
and fifty congregations in New-England enjoyed at 
that time the like blessing. 

Young Mills was then fifteen years of age. Na- 
turally very retired and incommunicative, he was 
least of all disposed to say much concerning the ex- 
ercises of his own mind. But such were his views 
of his own sinfulness, so severe his distress, and so 
bitter his opposition to God, that he would some- 
times " break out in expressions of unyielding rebel- 
lion." With nothing was his dissatisfaction more pain- 
ful, than the discriminations of the divine favour in 
showing mercy to those who were around him, while 
he himself was apparently left to obduracy and ruin. 
He had beheld many of his companions in years and 
in sin, together with an elder brother, a sister and a 



* For a narrative of this work of grace, from the pen of the father 
of Mr. Mills, reference may be had to the Conn. Evang. Mag. vol. 1. 



RF.V. SAMUEL J. ffltLS. 13 

niece, all residing under the same roof, and all that re- 
mained of his father's descendants, rejoicing in hope, 
and united to the visible Church; while he himself ob- 
tained no relief from his agony, but remained in " the 
gall of bitterness and the bonds of iniquity." Such 
was his state of mind for many months, and such it 
continued, when the revival began to decline, and 
when it was gone by ! Two full years he remained 
in this dismal frame of mind, still refusing to bow at 
the footstool of mercy; and, to adopt his own senti- 
ment, " at heart still cursing the day in which he was 
born." But he had seen too much of his own vileness 
to relapse into a state of unconcern. With some ap- 
parent mitigation of his distress he left his father's 
house for a neighbouring town, to take charge of a 
farm that had been bequeathed him by his maternal 
grandmother. His letters during this period, con- 
vince us that there was much in this absence 
from the bosom and prayers of his endeared family, 
to increase his apprehensions, that he should at last 
be an exile from God's presence, and an outcast from 
the community of his people. In November, 1801, 
he returned home with the view of spending the 
winter at an Academy in the town of Litchfield, about 
twelve miles off, but with no repose to his depress- 
ed and troubled mind. On the morning of his de- 
parture for Litchfield, ever anxious for her son, and 
never more than now, his mother took an opportu- 
nity of inquiringinto the state of his mind, and begged 
him to make an ingenuous disclosure of his feelings. 
For a moment he was silent and wept; but his heart 
was too full, long to suppress the emotions produced 



14 MEMOIRS OP THE LATE 

by so affecting a request. He raised his head, 
and with eyes streaming with tears, exclaimed, " O 
that I had never been born ! O that I had never been 
born ! For two years I have been sorry God ever 
made me." What reply could such a mother make 
to such a disclosure ? It was given her in that same 
hour what she should speak : — " My son," said she, 
" you are born, and you can never throw offyour ex- 
istence, nor your everlasting accountability for all 
your conduct." This heavy thought was like a dag- 
ger to his soul. His mother expressed her fears that 
he had never thoroughly seen the evil of his own 
heart, and that he had much to learn before he was 
acquainted with himself; — to which he ventured to 
say, " I have seen to the very bottom of hell !" With 
this frame of mind, he took a melancholy leave of 
his parents for the winter; and it was a day never to 
be forgotten in the life of Mr. Mills, nor in our recol- 
lection of those splendid schemes of benevolence 
which characterized his subsequent history, and to 
which the events of this day bore so intimate a rela- 
tion. What took place under his father's roof, may 
be easily conjectured; — a scene, apparently of very 
little moment, and never unveiled 'till now — a scene, 
the world would scarcely deign to look at, but one 
on which the Sacred Three look down with smiles — 
a scene, in which no prince or princess is the actor, 
but one which princes might come down from their 
thrones to emulate : — a devout and humble woman, 
wrestling with the Angel of the Covenant, and as a 
prince obtaining power to prevail ! 

The farewell to his mother drove her to her knees. 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 15 

There is such a thing as special faith in prayer. It 
was such to this dear saint, when she went to plead 
for her poor son. She felt his sorrows and her own ; 
and God was pleased not only to show her that all 
her help was in him, but to enable her to feel that to 
him could her heart turn as her only God in covenant, 
and from him could it find unutterable relief. She did 
not leave her closet, till she found the full relief she 
sought, and till her mind was confidently assured 
that God would remember mercy for her child ! It 
ought to be recorded, that on that very morning, it 
pleased the Holy Ghost, as she afterwards ascertain- 
ed, to knock off the chains from this unhappy pri- 
soner, and introduce him into the liberty of the sons 
of God. He had not gone far before he had such a 
view of the perfections of God, that he wondered he 
had never seen their beauty and glory before. There 
was nothing in God now which distressed him. He 
had lost all his opposition to the divine sovereignty; 
and, such were his views of this adorable perfection, 
that he could not refrain from exclaiming, " O glo- 
rious sovereignty ! O glorious sovereignty !" He 
retired a small distance into the woods, that he 
might be the more at liberty to contemplate the 
character of God, and adore and extol his holy and 
amiable sovereignty ; but he here saw so much of 
God, that his mind was almost lost in the overwhelm- 
ing manifestation. The scene was altogether new. 
There was a wonderful change either in God or in 
him. Every thing was gilded with light and glory ; 
and now and then, as he gazed at the splendour and 
majesty of the divine character, he would still ex* 



16 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

claim, " O glorious sovereignty !" It does not ap- 
pear that in all this he was bribed into acquiescence. 
" His mind was so constantly occupied in viewing 
the perfections of God, and in meditating on his 
word and works, and so continued for several weeks, 
that he did not think of himself with any degree of 
concern." Such is the nature of genuine religion. 
It is far from being indispensable to our cordial ac- 
quiescence in God's character and government, to 
be persuaded that we are interested in his mercy. 
Though from Mr. Mills' letters, his friends were in- 
duced to hope that some change had taken place in 
his views ; he himself was conscious of no hope, 
till about three months after this period. " Surely, 
it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel, What hath 
God wrought!" 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 



CHAPTER II. 



HIS EDUCATION AND EARLY DEVOTION TO THE 
MISSIONARY CAUSE. 



We can scarcely fail to have observed, that the 
Divine Spirit often gives a particular impulse in con- 
version, which prepares its subject for some particu- 
lar service. There are those who are impressed 
with enlarged views of divine truth ; and not unfre- 
quently of the importance, consistency, and beauty 
of some particular truths, which in the developements 
of Divine Providence, it is seen they are destined to 
defend and maintain. And there are those who are 
almost instantaneously roused to purposes of active 
benevolence; and the first discernible tendencies of 
whose affections are toward the wants and woes of 
their perishing fellow-men. To one who is conversant 
with the peculiarities of their exercises on spiritual 
subjects,it is not more certain, that Jonathan Edwards 
and Andrew Fuller were prepared, in the early 
stages of their Christian experience, for the distin- 
guished part they have acted in illustrating and de- 
C 



18 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

monstrating the grand trufhs of revealed religion, 
than were David Brainerd and Samuel J. Mills, for 
distinguished efforts as Missionaries of the cross. 

The direction of young Mills' thoughts may be 
gathered from a single suggestion, soon after his re- 
turn from Litchfield. The first idea his father had 
of his change of mind, arose from an observation he 
made, " that he could not conceive of any course of life 
in which to pass the rest of his days, that would prove so 
pleasant, as to go and communicate the Gospel salvation to 
the poor Heathen.''' Thus early did a sovereign God, 
who has pity on the Heathen, set apart Samuel J. 
Mills for a Missionary. It is somewhat remarka- 
ble that from this same hour, he never once lost 
sight of his darling object. Though but a youth of 
sixteen, he discovered a zeal in the Missionary cause, 
an eagerness in the pursuit of Missionary intelli- 
gence, and an enlargement of thought* in his plans, 
to become acquainted with the true state of the une- 
vangelized world, which left little doubt that he 
was chained to his purpose by a superior power. 

It was a heart yearning over the miseries of pe- 
rishing millions, that first led him to think of acqui- 
ring an education with a view to the gospel ministry. 
Having consulted his parents, and unfolded all his 
purpose, which, should God permit, was no less than 
to devote his life to the cause of Missions in foreign 
lands; and having received their approbation and 
their blessing, he resolved on measures for changing 
his course of life. The Spirit of God came over him 
like Elisha in the field. While toiling at the plough, 
was his heart touched with compassion for the heathen 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 19 

world, and he bid adieu to his farm, to obtain an educa- 
tion on purpose to carry the Gospel to millions who 
perish for lack of knowledge. Thus in a retired field 
in Litchfield county, was the King of Zion beginning 
that grand course of operations which have produced 
such a mighty revolution in the American Churches, 
and which bear so intimate a relation to the progres- 
sive glories of his kingdom. Having put his secular 
concerns into other hands, and having previously 
connected himself with the Church, under the pasto- 
ral care of his father, Mills became a member of Wil- 
liams' College, in Massachusetts, in the autumn of 
1806. As a scholar, he was of respectable standing; 
but as a youth who " walked with God," and whose 
uniform deportment evinced that he was devoted to 
interests superior to his own, he shone as a light in 
the earth. Ardent and matured as his piety was at 
more advanced periods, it may be said of Mr. Mills, 
that he began his career very much as he ended it. 
At this early period, his piety was of that strong, 
yet fervent, that unostentatious, yet practical and ef- 
ficient kind, that gave the highest evidence that he 
was a child of God. Engaged in pursuits, in which 
many a godly youth is allured from duty, by the 
glare of science and the love of fame, he not merely 
retained his integrity, and made sensible progression 
in holiness, but by a deportment so circumspect and 
kind, that even the enemies of religion could not 
but respect him ; and by a consistency and sweetness 
of character, which gave so much lustre to vital 
piety, that his friends felt the reproach of his exam- 
ple; did he become the means of conversion, stead- 



20 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

fastness, and zeal, and will be long remembered as 
a distinguished blessing to the Seminary of which he 
was a member. 

To many a pious youth, the weight of moral obli- 
gation seems to be too much suspended during a 
four years' residence within the walls of a college. 
Too many appear to feel that they have discharged 
their obligations, while irrespective of the present, 
they only prepare for the future ; and it does not 
come within the perview of their plans to do good, 
but only to obtain it. It may possibly deserve re- 
flection, whether the indifference of the pious young 
men who are members of our colleges, to the obli- 
gations of active usefulness, may not be one reason 
why the light of science so often dazzles only to at- 
tract and consume the insect that carelessly flutters 
around it, and why our seminaries of learning, with 
all their eminent usefulness, so frequently prove a 
snare. Every where Mills' object was but one. To 
him, nothing had charms so powerful, as the glory 
of his Redeemer and the salvation of men. The 
conversion of a sinner from the error of his ways, the 
deliverance of one immortal being from everlasting 
burnings, was to his benevolent mind enough to 
compensate a thousand fold for all the laurels of a 
Caesar. While he was a member of College, there 
was a revival of religion in that Institution, of which 
he was the chief instrument. There are not a few 
of his fellow-students now in the ministry, who owe 
their hopes of heaven, and their usefulness on earth, 
to his instrumentality. Nor would we fail to remark, 
that some of those beloved men, whom the American 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 21 

Church has been permitted to send into the seclu- 
sions of our own wildernesses, and to plant on the 
banks of the Ganges and the Indus, will long remem- 
ber his instrumentality in their conversion and Mis- 
sionary zeal. His contemporaries at the College 
will delight to linger on the recollection of his excel- 
lence; and can never forget how the salvation of the 
dear youth with whom he was associated, the revi- 
val of pure and undefiled religion, and the desola- 
tions of the heathen world, were themes that often 
drew tears from his eyes and persuasion from his 
tongue, as he visited from room to room, and walked 
from grove to grove. 

The following extracts from his own Diary will 
better evince the state of his mind at this period, and 
be more gratifying to our readers, than any narrative 
of our own, 

44 June 25, 1806. I hope I shall have an opportunity 
to retire and address the Throne of Grace to-day 
without molestation. O that God would be with me, 
and assist me in the performance of duty ! It will be 
a stupid time indeed, if the Lord does not pour down 
his spirit and convince me of my unworthiness and 
dependence. O how unworthy we are at this insti- 
tution to partake of the crumbs that fall from our 
Master's table ! Blessed be God, he has, as I trust, 
wrought a good work upon the hearts of some, and 
is forcing conviction and light upon the minds of 
others. I hope nothing may retard the progress of 
this most glorious work. 

44 Thursday, 26. Attended conference this even- 



22 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

ing, composed principally of the Freshman Class. 

A very good meeting. Many very solemn ; K 

much cast down. It was very evident God was 
striving with some of his disobedient creatures. The 
work is the Lord's, and he is abundantly able to 
carry it on. — Arise, O Lord, thou and the ark of thy 
strength ! It seems to me I never longed so much 
for the Sabbath as I do now. I am afraid the im- 
pressions of my classmates will wear off. But all 
things are possible with God. 

« Saturday* 28. Think I feel something of a praying 
frame this morning. — O for more fervour, more en- 
gagedness, more activity, in the cause of the blessed 
God ! I hope this may be a sweet day to my soul. 
Think I see something of my unworthiness. 

"Sabbath Morning, 29. Have some view of my de- 
pendence upon God and of my awful stupidity. I 
pray God to be with me to-day, and keep me from 
injuring his cause, and preserve me in a praying 
frame! — At Noon. — Just returned from meeting — an 
uncommon time with me — think I have never been 
so carried above this world before; never found my- 
self so nigh the foot of the cross. Come, Holy Spirit, 
heavenly Dove, give me, unworthy me, a spirit of 
prayer! O humble me — keep me at the foot of the 
cross. Grant that 1 may always feel uneasy when I 
wander from that delightful place ! Grant that I may 
make it my home there, and never wound my Re- 
deemer in the house of his friends ! 

" Nov. 10. [After vacation] I have been in town two 
weeks. Professing Christians not so much alive as 
they generally were last term. O that God would 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 23 

revive us again ! — that his saints might rejoice, and 
that immortal souls might be ransomed from eternal 
death! O that He would make his children feel 
their dependence, and bring them to cast themselves 
at his footstool ! All our strength is from the Lord ; 
I hope he will not cast us off' for ever, but carry on 
his own work as best pleases him. We are brought 
very low ; and if the Lord look not upon us, where 
is our hope? Where can we look but to thy Holy 
Hill?" 



The outpouring of God's Spirit, here alluded to, 
though not very extensive, was among the most sig- 
nal expressions of favour to the Church. The instru- 
mentality the subject of these Memoirs had in this 
work of grace, we shall lay before the reader in the 
language of one of his most valued classmates, who 
is now successfully engaged in the Christian minis- 
try. " During the last term of his first year, there 
was a revival of religion in College, which com- 
menced in his class. It was then my opinion, and I 
believe the general opinion, that Mr. Mills was prin- 
cipally instrumental in the hands of God, in produ- 
cing the blessed work. Certain it is, that no one 
was so much resorted to as he by those under se- 
rious impressions. He was singularly devoted and 
engaged, a little before the revival commenced, and 
while it lasted. Nor did he, after it had ceased, re- 
lapse into that state of apathy and indifference so 
common with many, and to which there are so many 
temptations in College. It may well be said of him. 



24 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

that he c walked with God,' and I trust his footsteps 
were seen long after he left the College." 

It is in itself grateful, and of some importance to 
the subsequent parts of his history, to observe the 
invariable tendencies of his mind toward the grand 
objects of benevolence to which his life was so sacred- 
ly devoted. The following extract is from his Diary, 
while a member of College, though under an ob- 
literated date. 

" O that I might be aroused from this careless and 
stupid state, and be enabled to fill up life well ! I 
think I can trust myself in the hands of God, and all 
that is dear to me ; but I long to have the time ar- 
rive, when the Gospel shall be preached to the poor 
jlfricans, and likewise to all nations.'''' 

Ejaculations like these were the true index of his 
soul. It is his zeal and exertions as a Christian phi- 
lanthropist, that will attract the deepest and most 
profitable attention. In this respect, it is no exag- 
geration to say, he stands almost without a parallel 
among men not actuated by the miraculous agency 
of the Holy Ghost. What the memorable Howard 
was in some few branches of temporal charity, was 
Samuel J. Mills, in a vast variety of simple yet mag- 
nificent plans of Christian beneficence. Few who 
knew him will question the justice of the observa- 
tion, that he possessed feelings which suffered him 
to say very little of himself. Though one of the 
most modest men I ever saw, he once said to a con- 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 25 

iidential friend, and a brother in the ministry of a 

kindred spirit, " Brother C s, though you and I 

are very little beings, we must not rest satisfied till 
we have made our influence extend to the remotest 

corner of this ruined world." This was his real 

spirit. Simply to become a Missionary himself, and 
live and die in Pagan lands, surrounded with all the 
evidences of successful labour, was with him a very 
small matter. His charities were the most exalted, 
and his plans most sublime. He knew how to labour 
for an interest, distant enough to bring nothing to 
himself, and " form a purpose to feel and act efficient- 
ly for more than two-thirds of the human race, never 
baptised by the Christian name." 



D 



26 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 



CHAPTER III. 



HIS INTEREST AND AGENCY IN THE PROMOTION 
OF FOREIGN MISSIONS. 



Among the projects in which Mr. Mills took a deep 
interest, and which was the first in his own estima- 
tion at the time it was conceived, was the design of 
propagating the Gospel among the Heathen in fo- 
reign lands, by means of Missionaries from this 
country. It is interesting to trace the connexion be- 
tween the plans and measures devised by this single 
youth in Williams' College, and many of the great 
movements which have since taken place in the 
American Church. Though very little is to be found 
among his own papers, which would disclose his in- 
strumentality, the almost universal acknowledgment 
of men interested in Missionary concerns, attributes 
to Mr. Mills a distinguished agency in bringing for- 
ward a new era in the history of Missions in this 
Western World. 

The dawn of a Missionary spirit had begun 
to appear in some of the American churches 
before. To those who have observed the signs 
of the times, it cannot be doubtful that a new 



BEV. SAMUEL J. MILLS, 



and splendid era on the other side of the Atlantic 
was introduced about eight-and-twenty years ago. 
In the year J 792, the first Missionary Society was 
established by Carey, Fuller, Pearce, and Ryland, 
at Kettering, in England. In 1795, the London 
Missionary Society was instituted ; and from th* 
period Missionary Institutions have been increasing 
in number throughout the four quarters of the globe. 
America began gradually to participate in the sacred 
spirit. Aside from an establishment formed by the 
Moravians in 1734, and a branch of the Society in 
Scotland for Propagating Christian Knowledge 
among the Indians in North America, which was in- 
stituted at Boston, in 1787, the honour of com- 
mencing the first Missionary exertions in the United 
States belongs to the General Assembly of the Pres- 
byterian Church. At their first Session, as early as 
the year 1789, that body passed an order requiring 
the Churches under their care to take up collections 
for a Missionary Fund ; and in 1802, they establish- 
ed a Standing Committee of Missions, which has 
been in successful operation from that time to the 
present. The New- York Missionary Society was 
instituted in 1796; the Connecticut Missionary So- 
ciety in 1798; the Massachusetts Missionary Society 
in 1799 ; and the New-Jersey Missionary Society in 
1801. 

Hitherto, however, the attention of the West- 
ern World had been exclusively turned to do- 
mestic Missions, among the new settlements, and In- 
dians. To the eye of the few who watched its 
growth^ it was obvious that the germ of this tree of 



2j3 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

life had been gaining strength and activity ; but it 
was not destined to shoot out its branches to the ri- 
ver, and its boughs to the ends of the earth, till the 
period at which we have now arrived. That she 
had a distinguished part to act in the conversion of 
six hundred millions of our guilty creation abroad, 
beyond her destitute at home, was a thought that had 
never till now sunk into the bosom of the American 
Church. Why was it so ? Surely no nation pos- 
sesses greater advantages for disseminating religious 
truth, whether we regard resources or men ; and no 
nation is under greater obligations to make many 
and great exertions for this exalted object. Why 
should the nations of Europe, in the midst of all their 
conflict and blood, have been sending their sons 
through different continents and to the islands of the 
sea, while America, this land of freedom, peace, 
wealth, and privilege, circumscribes her exertions to 
si handful of men within her own territory ? If there 
are any who at this late hour are backward to en- 
gage in this glorious enterprise, let them know, that 
the deliverance of the Pagan nations is sure ; — let 
them know that as God has given the Heathen to his 
Son for an inheritance, so he has given the 
sanction of his own Spirit to measures for their 
conversion, — and that the most stupid and barbarous 
of men have been brought within the fold of the 
Great Shepherd. If we do not choose to engage 
in this work, other nations, more faithful, will go for- 
ward and be crowned with success ; but, " we and 
our father's house shall be destroyed/' 

In tracing the progress of the Missionary spirit m 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 29 

this country, in respect of Foreign Missions, we have 
little else to do than follow the leading events of 
Mr. Mills' life, from his first year in College, to the 
embarkation of the American Missionaries for Cal- 
cutta, under the direction of the American Board of 
Commissioners, in the year 1812. As has been al- 
ready intimated, his devotion to the Missionary 
cause was early and invincible. It was not, however, 
until he became a member of College, that his spirit 
of Missions came out to view. It was then that the sub- 
ject of Missions fastened upon his attention, engross- 
ed the meditations of his serious hours, took deep 
hold of his feelings, and became the burden of his 
prayers. It seems to have been a peculiar vi- 
sitation of the Spirit of God that turned all the soli- 
citude and affection of his heart to this object. He 
reflected long and prayed much, before he disclosed 
his views ; and when he determined to unburthen his 
mind, by conversing with two or three of his 
more intimate fellow-students, it was in a man- 
ner that deserves to be related : — He led them 
out into a meadow, at a distance from the Col- 
lege, to a retirement, probably familiar to himself, 
though little exposed to observation or liable to be 
approached, where, by the side of a large stack of 
hay, he devoted the day to prayer and fasting, and 
familiar conversation on this' new and interesting 
theme ; when, much to his surprise and gratification, 
he found that the Spirit of God had been enkindling in 
their bosoms the flame which had been so long burn- 
ing in his own. The reader will not be surprised to 
learn, that from this hour, this endeared retreat was 



30 MEMOIRS OP THE LATE 

often made solemn by the presence, and hallowed 
by the piety, of these dear young men. It was to 
this consecrated spot they repaired, to cherish the 
high-born influence, and dedicate themselves renew- 
edly to Christ in this blessed cause ; to spend many 
a precious day in humiliation, fasting, and prayer, 
and there to offer to a present God those early and 
fervent supplications, to which may be traced the 
institution of Foreign Missions in the new world. 
The operations and existence of this Society were 
unknown to the rest of the College, and have re- 
mained concealed by a veil, which has never been 
removed till now. Though some of this little company 
yet remain on earth, I am forbidden by very sacred 
ties, to lisp any other than the name of Samuel J. 

Mills. But I would shrink from intrusion upon 

fellowship so endeared and so sacred. There is 

something inexpressibly pleasant in those seasons of 
favoured devotion, when the mind perceives the co- 
incidence between some of its own best emotions and 
the operations of the Holy Spirit. Such, we think, 
must frequently have been the gratification of this fra- 
ternal band. 

The mind of Mr. Mills had now received a new 
impulse ; and his paramount object was to devise 
measures to carry the plans which had now be- 
gun to present themselves in some definite shape, 
into immediate execution. Well persuaded that a 
successful appeal could not be made to the Churches, 
without first increasing the number of men who 
were willing to devote their lives to this self-deny- 
ing service, and having, as he supposed, accom- 



SAMUEL J. MILLS. 31 

plished what he could for the cause in Williams' Col- 
lege; he left that Institution, and became a resident 
graduate a few months at Yale College, in Con- 
necticut. His ostensible object was the study of 
theology; but his real object was to ascertain 
whether there were not some kindred spirits in that 
Institution, who could be excited and encouraged to 
participate in this glorious enterprise. The purpose 
of an all-pervading Providence in this movement, 
was, however, different from his own. Shortly after 
his arrival at New-Haven, he became acquainted 
with the lamented Obookiah, a Heathen youth from 
one of the Sandwich Islands, who will be introduced 
to the attention of the reader in some subsequent part 
of this volume, and whose memory will long be tender- 
ly cherished, especially by the pious in our country. 
Though we can say little of the success of his visit 
to New-Haven, so far as relates to the infusion of a 
Missionary spirit, or increasing the active friends of 
Foreign Missions, among the members or graduates 
of the College ; subsequent events can hardly fail to 
leave the impression, that his steps were guided to 
that place by no ordinary impulse. 

The following spring, Mr. Mills became a member 
of the Theological Seminary at Andover. Soon af- 
ter he united himself with this Institution, he was vi- 
sited with a very bitter bereavement, to which he 
alludes, with much characteristic sentiment, in the 
following Letter : — It was the death of his mother. 



32 memoirs of the late 

" Dear Sir, 

" I have just received your kind letter of 
January 21th, and thank you for the share you are 
pleased to take in our afflictions. May you, Sir, as 
you are disposed to mourn with those that mourn, 
receive the blessing of kind Heaven. 

" I hope my bosom will not heave a murmuring 
sigh because of this chastising stroke. God, as we 
trust, had redeemed the soul of our dear parent, and 
her Saviour, looking down, said, ' Come up hither.' 
And why should we say to her pure spirit, ' Stay yet 
a little longer ?' What had we to offer her if she had 
tarried ? Nothing, except that which we all inherit 
by the fall, ' stripes, chains, and a dungeon.' For 
being sanctified but in part, her remaining sins would 
lead her astray, and she must be chastised to bring 
her back to God. These would have been her stripes. 
A thousand tender ties which bind us down to things 
which perish in the using, and " pestered in this pin- 
hole here which men call earth ;" — this her dungeon. 
It is thus we languish. And is not that a dungeon 
which excludes the matchless beauties of the eter- 
nal Godhead, and gives us not so fair a view as 
Moses had when hid within the clefts of the rock ? 
She now is free indeed! — made free by grace, and 
doubly freed by death. When I left Andover, I 
thought most likely I should see my mother alive — 
when I arrived at Hartford, I was informed she was 
no more ! Her last sigh had escaped me. I hoped 
the information was not correct, and half believed it, 
until a second inquiry helped to confirm my fears. 



rev. Samuel i. mills. 33 

On my way before I arrived home, I passed the bury- 
ing ground ; and if I called there, I knew it would sa- 
tisfy all doubts. If she was dead, I could tell where they 
had laid her ; for my father in my earliest days would 
lead me to the burying ground, and tell me where 
my mother would be buried and where he should be 
laid, and I would weep, and hope that I should lie 
there first. When 1 arrived at the burying ground, 
the grave was newly covered — it was my mother's ! 
Here I gave vent to the most impassioned burst of 
wo. I wept not that my mother had gone to glory, 
but that I should see her face no more — no more 
should hear her warning voice, no more should share 
her prayers. Her dust is precious dust, and shall 
arise triumphant, when the trump of her Jesus shall 
call her to judgment. Upon my arrival home, I found 
the gray locks of my afflicted father had been shaken 
by the blast ; still he seemed to be supported from 
above, and hopes, that as his day is so his strength 
will be. He thanks you, dear Sir, and all his Chris- 
tian friends, who remember him in their prayers." 

This dear woman died in the faith and hope of the 
Gospel, on the liOth of December, 1809. It was while 
he was a member of the Theological Seminary, that 
the compiler of these sheets was first honoured with 
an acquaintance with this invaluable man. Here Mr. 
Mills found several of his former companions, who 
had dedicated themselves to the cause of Missions 
while together at Williams' College ; and the frater- 
nity, in all its concealed energies, renewed its ope- 
rations here. 

E 



34 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

The subject of Missions to the Heathen had al- 
ready begun to occupy the minds of several of the 
students not originally members of this secret Asso- 
ciation, and a number were seriously and painfully 
inquiring concerning their duty in this important par- 
ticular. Messrs. Newel, Judson, and Nott, in con- 
nexion with Messrs. Mills and Hall, held frequent 
consultations on this momentous subject, which is- 
sued in a resolution, to combine their exertions in 
immediately enterprising a Mission to foreign lands. 
The writer well recollects the course Mr. Mills pur- 
sued while at Andover, to diffuse a Missionary zeal 
throughout that Seminary. It was his method to at- 
tach himself to the company of those students whose 
minds were exercised on the subject, and by judi- 
cious conversation, by a careful and unimpassioned 
presentation of the arguments, to bring them to adopt 
the conclusion, that it was their duty to devote their 
lives to the Heathen. And never was an ambitious 
politician, seeking the honours and emoluments of 
office, more unremittingly or zealously engaged. His 
Missionary exertions constituted his relaxation from 
study ; and he might always be found, during his lei- 
sure hours, in little circles of his brethren, engaged 
in conversation on these interesting topics. He had 
made himself complete master of the subject; and 
daily might he be seen, arm in arm, with one or more 
of his fellow-students, either provoking inquiry, or 
renewing former suggestions, or pressing the obli- 
gation to Missions upon their consciences, by consi- 
derations well nigh irresistible. There was a beau- 
tiful grove that spread itself in the rear of the Col- 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 35 

lege buildings ; and " along that shady walk," says 
one of his fellow-Missionaries, " where I have often 
walked alone, Mr. Mills has often been my com- 
panion, and there urged the importance of Missions 
to the Heathen. And when he had reached some 
sequestered spot, where there was no fear of inter- 
ruption, he would say — •' Come, God only can guide 
us right ; let us kneel down and pray :'— and then he 
would pour out his soul in an ardent supplication for 
the blessing of God, and the guidance of his Holy 
Spirit." 

It is not difficult to conjecture the state of Mr. 
Mills' mind, when the subject of Foreign Missions 
began to be the theme of public discussion, and the 
objections of" the wise and the unwise" threatened to 
retard, if not entirely defeat, the benevolent project. 
At first view, there are objections to such an enter- 
prise, which, however fallacious, are exceedingly 
plausible. If any should inquire why we take so much 
pains to send the Gospel to the Heathen, when we 
have so many destitute among ourselves ? Why at- 
tempt to supply the wants of China and Hindostan, 
when we must leave multitudes perishing at our own 
doors ? — What think you is the reply of the world to 
such an objection as this ? " If Christians really be- 
" lieve that Christ tasted death for every man, that 
" there is salvation in no other, and that a great part 
i; of the world are actually perishing in ignorance 
" of this only Saviour ; — if they really believe all 
" this, why do they not concern themselves to 
" have this gospel made known to every creature ? 
« Why has this been neglected so long ?— -And, 



36 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

" alas ! the Heathen join in the same bitter reproach. 
" The Missionary tells them that he has come to 
" proclaim to them a Saviour, the Son of God, who 
" has shed his blood to atone for the sins of the 
" world ; and who has commanded his servants to 
" publish the glad tidings every where for the salva- 

" tion of all men. When, says the Pagan, did this 

" Saviour die ? Eighteen hundred years ago, replies 

" the Missionary. When did he command his 

" servants to publish every where these good ti- 

" dings? Just before he ascended from earth to 

" heaven, which was shortly after his death and re- 

" surrection. Surprising! says the Pagan. If you 

" Christians have known all these things, and really 
" believe that we ignorant Heathen must perish un- 
u less we believe in Jesus Christ; how could you leave 
" so great a part of the world, for so many genera- 
" tions, to go down to perdition, without coming sooner 
" to tell us of this only way in which we can be sa- 
" ved ? — This is not idle fancy ; it is matter of dis- 
" tressing fact. Is it not time to arise and pluck 
" this dreadful weapon from the hand of idolatry 
" abroad, and infidelity at home ?*" 

The narrow policy of such objections surely 
was not the principle of action on which the 
Church was extended in the Apostolic age, or 
will be extended in the future ages of the world. But 
there is little occasion to argue a point which has 



* "The Conversion of the World, or the Claims of Six Hundred Millions, 
and the ability and duty of the Churches respecting them," by the Rev. Messrs: 
Gordon Hall and Samuel Newel, American Missionaries at Bombay. 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 



been so ably argued by others. To a sober mind? 
the subject lies within a very narrow compass. The 
Churches know that hundreds of millions are perish- 
ing through ignorance of a Saviour; — Christ has ab- 
solutely commanded his disciples to go and preach 
the Gospel to every one of them ; and has pledged 
his faithfulness, that if they will go, their exertions 
for the Heathen shall be the means of greater exer- 
tions at home. And has he not redeemed the pledge ? 
How can any reflecting man evade the obligation, 
to be at least the decided and zealous friend of Fo- 
reign Missions ? 

With fervent gratitude to the God of grace let it 
be acknowledged, that he was pleased to smile upon 
the designs of Mr. Mills and his associates, in turn- 
ing the hearts of the Churches toward this favourite 
object. Men of intelligence and piety did not long 
hesitate in the adoption of measures which should 
embody the weight and influence of New-England in 
giving form and motion to this mighty machinery. 
Though we would not claim for Mr. Mills the honour 
of maturing the operations of the " American Board 
of Commissioners for Foreign Missions," he is justly- 
entitled to the praise of originating the plan of that 
noble Institution. It was through his instrumentality, 
and the advice and co-operation of the Reverend 
Professors in the Theological Seminary at And over, 
the Rev. Dr. Worcester, of Salem, the Secretary and 
principal Agent of the Board after it was constituted, 
— and if a son may be permitted to record it, the Rev. 
Dr. Spring of Newburyport, that on the motion of the 
last named gentleman, the subject was first intro- 



o8 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

duced to the attention of the General Association of 
Massachusetts, at their Annual Meeting in Bradford, 
in 1810. The following extract from their Minutes 
will present the facts as they then occurred. 

At a Meeting of the General Association of Mas- 
sachusetts Proper, at Bradford, on Wednesday the 
27th of June, 1810. — " Four young gentlemen, mem- 
bers of the Divinity College, were introduced and 
presented the following Paper : 

" The undersigned, members of the Divinity Col- 
lege, respectfully request the attention of their Re- 
verend Fathers, convened in the General Associa- 
tion at Bradford, to the following statement and in- 
quiries: 

" They beg leave to state, that their minds have 
been long impressed with the duty and importance 
of personally attempting a Mission to the Heathen; 
that the impressions on their minds have induced a 
serious, and they trust a prayerful consideration of 
the subject in its various attitudes, particularly in 
relation to the probable success and the difficulties 
attending such an attempt; and that after examining 
all the information which they can obtain, they con- 
sider themselves as devoted to this work for life, 
whenever God in his providence shall openthe way. 

" They now offer the following inquiries on which 
they solicit the opinion and advice of this Associa- 
tion. Whether with their present views and feelings, 
they ought to renounce the object of Missions as vi- 
sionary or impracticable ; if not, whether they ought 
to direct their attention to the eastern or the western 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 39 

world ; whether they may expect patronage and sup- 
port from a Missionary Society in this country, or 
must commit themselves to the direction of a Euro- 
pean Society ; and what preparatory measures they 
ought to take previous to actual engagement ? 

"The undersigned, feeling their youth and inex- 
perience, look up to their Fathers in the Church, 
and respectfully solicit their advice, direction, and 
prayers. 

" Adoniram Judson, jr. 

" Samuel Nott, jr. 

« Samuel J. Mills, 

" Samuel Newel." 

This document was referred to a Special Com- 
mittee, who in their report recognised the impera- 
tive obligation and importance of Missions — express- 
ed their conviction that the gentlemen who had thus 
modestly expressed their views, ought not to re- 
nounce, but sacredly cherish their sacred impres- 
sions ; and submitted the outlines of a plan, which at 
that meeting was carried into effect in the appoint- 
ment of a Board of Commissioners for Foreign Mis- 
sions, " for the purpose of devising ways and means, 
and adopting and prosecuting measures for promo- 
ting the spread of the Gospel in Heathen lands." 

Here was laid the corner-stone of an edifice, which 
will long be the ornament of the American Church ; 
-—broad its foundation, beautiful its superstructure, 
lofty its dome. Such is the origin of an Institution, 
which for the extension of its plans, and the wisdom 



40 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

of its direction, stands forward a distinguished monu- 
ment of divine favour to the American people. 

After considerable exertion at home, and some in- 
quiry abroad, it was resolved that Mr. Judson should 
repair to England, with the view of ascertaining what 
assistance could be afforded to the Mission by the 
London Missionary Society. " He was welcomed 
with great cordiality by the directors of the London 
Society, who engaged to take him and his three bre- 
thren under their care, and to allow them salaries, 
and employ them on a mission, if the funds of the 
American Board should not be competent for their 
support." Contrary to the expectation of the Board, 
Mr. Judson, during his absence, felt himself justi- 
fied in entering into partial arrangements at least, 
to become the Missionary of the London Society 
in the East-Indies. In view of such a measure, 
Mr. Mills, in writing to a friend, exclaims, " What! 
is England to support her own Missionaries and ours 
likewise ? O shame ! If brother Judson is prepared, I 
would feign press him forward with the arm of an Her- 
cules, if I had the strength ; but I do not like this de- 
pendance on another nation, especially when they 
have already done so much, and we nothing. — I trust 
that each of the brethren will stand at their several 
posts, determined, God helping them, to show them- 
selves men. Perhaps the Fathers will soon arise, and 
take the business of Missions into their own hands. 
But should they hesitate, let us be prepared to go for- 
ward, — trusting to that God for assistance who hath 
said, Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of 
the world." 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 41 

Not long after this period, however, the Board 
were relieved from their pecuniary embarrassment, 
by the liberality of a distinguished lady, whose 
name will ever be endeared in the grateful recollec- 
tions of the writer. Let it not be recorded with- 
out the warmest emotions of admiration, that in the 
infancy of this Institution, no less than thirty thou- 
sand dollars, from a single bequest, laid the basis 
for a permanent fund, to send the gospel to the 
Heathen. The late Mrs. Mary Norris, widow of 
the late John Norris, of Salem, Massachusetts, one 
of the founders of the Andover Seminary, was raised 
up by a gracious Providence, to become the devoted 
patron of Foreign Missions, and by her memorable 
munificence, to " spread the throb of joy through the 
Heathen world." 

The first efforts of this Institution resulted in 
the embarkation of the Rev. Messrs. Hall, Nott, 
Rice, Judson, and Newel, for Calcutta, in the 
month of February, 1812. These were follow- 
ed by the Rev. Messrs. Bardwell, Meigs, Poor, 
Richards, and Warren, who sailed for Ceylon the 
following October; these, by the Rev. Messrs. 
Graves and Nichols, who embarked for Bombay in 
October, 1817 ; and these by the Rev. Messrs. Win- 
slow, Spalding, and Woodward, together with Dr. 
John Scudder, a physician of good professional re- 
putation and practice, who embarked for Ceylon on 
the 8th of June, 1819. Beside these establishments, 
the Board commenced a Mission among the Chero- 
kee Indians, in January, 1816, and subsequently 
another among the Choctaws. In addition to these 
F 



42 MEMOtRS OF THE T.AtE 

exertions, they have recently set on foot a heavy 
Mission to the Sandwich Islands. The individuals 
connected with this Mission consist of nineteen na- 
tives of America, seven gentlemen, with their wives, 
and five children ; and four natives of the Sandwich 
Islands. They embarked at Boston, on the 23d of 
October, 1819. The last establishment was des- 
tined to Jerusalem. The Rev. Messrs. Levi Par- 
sons and Pliny Fiske, embarked for Smyrna, with 
a view to this Mission, on the 3d of November, 1819. 
The receipts of the Board for the year 181 9,are stated 
to have been thirty-seven thousand dollars, and their 
expenditures to have surpassed forty thousand. — 
They have now under their direction, and depen- 
dant upon their funds, either as Missionaries or as 
assistants in the work, eighty-one individuals, " ex- 
tending their exertions from east to west, more than 
two-thirds around this globe." 

Here let us pause. Who will not admire the con- 
descension of the adorable Head of the Church, in 
permitting so much to be accomplished by the de- 
signs of a single individual ! Could Mr. Mills have 
lived to witness the rapid advancement of this glorious 
design; could he have seen the whole army of the Re- 
deemed in New-England in motion ; could he have 
seen ten thousand hearts leaping in joyful eagerness, 
and ten thousand hands opened in liberal charities 
toward this hallowed cause; could he have seen 
the daily accession of talent and youthful vigour, 
as they have been consecrated to the work ; could 
he have beheld so many Missionary stations bless- 
ing the dark regions of Asia, and have been 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 43 

told of the conversions amid the desolations and 
cruelties of our own wilderness ; could he have been 
permitted to breathe his blessing into the breeze 
that wafts the glad tidings of great joy to the native 
isles of his own dear Obookiah ; could he lastly have 
beheld the " holy city Jerusalem," the scene of a 
Mission from the American Church : surely he had 
felt he had not lived in vain ! Some of these glo- 
rious events he was permitted to witness ; and with 
what weeping modesty he occasionally adverted to 
them, a few will long remember. Never has he been 
more endeared, than when on one or two occasions 
he has been seen to be drowned in tears, and 
abased with self-confusion, in attempting to give ut- 
terance to his own views of what God had con- 
descended to accomplish through the instrumentali- 
ties of one so worthless as he. 



44 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 



CHAPTER IV. 



HIS ACQUAINTANCE WITH OBOOKIAH, AND THE CONSE- 
QUENT ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FOREIGN MISSION 
SCHOOL. 



We have already mentioned the name of Obookiah. 
Mr. Mills' acquaintance with this youth forms an im- 
portant era in his life, and in the history of Missions 
in the western world. Obookiah was a native of 
Owhyhee, the largest of the Sandwich Islands.* He 
was born about the year 1792. His parents ranked 



* The Sandwich Islands are a cluster of islands in the Pacific Ocean, disco- 
vered by Captain Cook and Captain King, in the year 1778. This group con- 
sists of eleven islands, extending in lat. from 18° 54', to 22° 15' N. and in long. 
from 199° 36 ; , to 205° 6' E. They are chiefly inhabited ; and contain about 
400,000 souls. The situation of these islands is said to be very favourable for 
commerce ; " as all the vessels bound to the North-West Coast, on the fur 
trade, and also many of those bound to the coast of Asia, stop here for provi- 
sions, and to make repairs." The natives are very considerably advanced in 
civilization, though they still bow down to dumb idols. It is not a rare event 
for human victims to be here sacrificed to appease the gods. " We cannot but 
say to the Missionaries now hastening to these distant shores, Go up and 
prosper. 1 * 



BEV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 45 

with the common people ; but his mother was dis- 
tantly related to the family of the king. During his 
youth, there was an unhappy contest in the island, 
as to the right of succession. After a severe and 
frightful carnage,, the party to which the father 
of Obookiah attached himself was overpowered. 
The conquerors having driven their antagonists from 
the field, next turned their rage upon the villages 
and families of the vanquished. On the alarm of 
their approach, the father took his wife and two 
children, and fled to the mountains, where he con- 
cealed himself with his family for several days in a 
cave. Venturing at length to leave their retreat, 
they were surprised by a party of the enemy, while 
in the act of quenching their thirst at a neighbouring 
spring. The father fled. To decoy him from his 
retreat, the enemy seized his wife and children and 
put them to the torture. The artifice succeeded. 
Unable to bear the piercing cries of his family, 
the father returned and with his wife was cut in 
pieces. His infant brother, Obookiah endeavoured 
to save from the fate of his parents, by taking him 
upon his back and making his escape; but he 
was pursued, and his little brother pierced through 
with a spear, while Obookiah, by some mysterious 
providence, was saved alive. Being now a pri- 
soner in the hands of the enemy, he was taken 
home to the house of the very man who murdered his 
parents. Here he resided till he was found by an 
uncle, who was High Priest of the island, and who 
received him into his family and treated him as a 
child. In narrating his own history, Obookiah says, 



46 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

" At the death of my parents I was with them ; I saw 
them killed with a bayonet ; and with them my little 
brother not more than two or three months old ; so 
that I was left alone without father or mother in this 
wilderness world. Poor boy ! thought I within my- 
self after they were gone, are there any father or 
mother of mine at home, that I may go and find them 
at home ? No; poor boy am I. And while I was at 
play with other children, after we had made an end 
of playing, they returned to their parents, but I was 
returned into tears ; for I have no home, neither fa- 
ther, nor mother. I thought of nothing more, but 
want of father or mother, and to cry day and night." 
While Obookiah was with his uncle, he began to 
think of leaving his native island for some other part 
of the globe. About this time a ship belonging to 
New-Haven, touched at the island on her return 
voyage from the North-West Coast — in which he 
made an arrangement to take passage for Ameri- 
ca, and in the autumn of 1809 was brought to 
New-Haven. " Here he began early to express 
a strong wish to be instructed, and to obtain a Chris- 
tian education. He visited the house of God on the 
Sabbath, and lingered about the College, trying to 
catch something to gratify the thirst of his mind for 
knowledge ; and when he found that he could under- 
stand little or nothing, and that the treasures of 
knowledge which were open to others, were locked 
up from him ; he sat down and wept on the threshold 
of the College buildings." Here he was found by 
the Rev. Edwin W. Dwight, then a resident graduate 



RET. SAMUEL J. MILLS 47 

at the College, and for the first year the Principal of 
the Foreign Mission School, who spared no effort in 
the instruction of his new pupil. By a pleasing co- 
incidence of circumstances, Mr. Mills, on his arrival 
at New-Haven, became the companion of Mr. D wight, 
and was deeply interested in this heathen boy. He soon 
conceived the plan of educating him as a Missionary 
to his native islands; and tookhimin the course of the 
winter to his father's at Torringford, and afterwards 
to Andover, patiently instructing him in the know- 
ledge of what is useful in this life, and momentous to 
the life to come. We are happy in being able to sub- 
mit Mr. Mills' own narrative of this providence, con- 
tained in a letter to the Rev. Gordon Hall, then a stu- 
dent in the Theological Seminary at Andover, and 
now a Missionary in the island of Bombay. Though 
it relates to some other events besides his first ac- 
quaintance with Obookiah, we shall transcribe it 
chiefly entire. 

" New-Haven, December 20, 1 809. 
" Verv dear brother, 

" I received your kind letter, and feel much in- 
debted to you. I have been in this place about two 
months. When I came, I found my worthy friend 
E. Dwight here : I roomed with him about two weeks, 
and then removed my quarters to the Rev. Mr. 
Stewart's, with whom I have lived to the present 
time. As every day is not so singularly spent by me 
as this has been, I will notice something not a little 
extraordinary. 

" To make my narrative understood, you must go 



48 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

back with me to my first arrival in this place. Mr. 
Dwight, I then found, was instructing a native 
Owhyean boy. Two natives of this island arrived here 
five or six months ago, and this was one of them. As 
I was in the room with Mr. Dwight, I heard the 
youth recite occasionally, and soon became consi- 
derably attached to him. His manners are simple; 
he does not appear to be vicious in any respect, and 
he has a great thirst for knowledge. In his simple 
manner of expressing himself, he says, The people in 
Owhyee very bad — they pray to gods made of wood. Poor 

Indians donH know nothing. He says, Me want to 

learn taread this Bible, and go back then, and tell them to 
pray to God up in heaven. I called into Dwighfs room 
last evening, and had not been long there, before 
Henry, for this is his English name, s came into the 
room with a very gloomy countenance. Says he, 
Me feel very bad. I asked him why he felt bad ? — Me 
got no place to live. I then asked him if he was 

not going to live with ? He said, J\o ; he 

say, me may go away — he no more want me. I told 
him he need not be concerned ; I would find a place 

for him. He said, Miss say she take away my 

new clothes. I told him he need not be afraid of that, 
for I had clothes enough for both of us. He did not 
appear to know what course to take. I told him he 
might go home with me, and live at my father's, and 
have whatever he wanted. He then came with me 
to my room. I heard him read his lesson, and at- 
tempted to instruct him in some of the first princi- 
ples of Christianity, of which he was almost entirely 
ignorant. He then retired for the night. 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 49 

" I now come to the transactions of to-day. As it 
was eleven o'clock when I began to write this letter, 
I will be as brief as 1 can, and relate things so that 
you may understand me. This morning I repaired 
to Mr. Dwight's room. He felt interested in behalf 
of Obookiah, and thought he had best endeavour to 
find a place for him, where he could work a part of 
the time, and pay for his board, and recite as he had 
done. I told him I did not think he had best stay 
in town, as he would be exposed to bad company, 
and most likely be treated as a slave, rather than as 
a friend and brother. 1 told him further, that as my 
father was one of the Missionary Trustees, he would 
no doubt obtain for him a support, if it was thought- 
best to educate him, which is my intention to at- 
tempt so far as that he may be able to instruct his 
"countrymen, and by God's blessing, convert them to 
Christianity. To this he could hardly object. He had 
been talking with the President of the College, and I 
told him I would see him on the subject. In the af- 
ternoon I called upon him, and related to him a part 
of my plan, which was that Obookiah should go with 
me to my father's, and live with him this winter, and 
be instructed in the first principles of reading and 
writing, as well as of Christianity,where he" would be 
abundantly furnished with the means of acquiring 
both. Some other arguments I used, which I cannot 
now relate. The President came fully into the opinion 
that this was the most eligible course which could 
be pursued, if Obookiah was willing to go. Oboo- 
kiah is his Indian name, and he is seventeen years 
old. I told him he would be glad to go ; he was 
G 



60 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

without a home — without a place to eat, or sleep. 
The poor and almost friendless Owhyean would 
sit down disconsolate, and the honest tears would 
flow freely down his sun-burnt face ; but since this 
plan has been fixed upon, he has appeared cheerful^ 
and feels quite at ease. I propose to leave town in 
two weeks, with this native of the South to accom- 
pany me to Torringford, where 1 intend to place him 
under the care of those whose benevolence is with- 
out a bond to check, or a limit to confine it. Here 
I intend he shall stay until next spring, if he is con- 
tented. Thus you see, he is like to be firmly fixed 
by my side. 

*' What does this mean ? Brother Hall, do you 
understand it ? Shall he be sent back unsupported, 
to attempt to reclaim his countrymen ? Shall we 
not rather consider these southern islands a proper 
place for the establishment of a mission ? Not that 
I would give up the heathen tribes of the west. I 
trust we shall be able to establish more than one mis- 
sion in a short time, at least in a few years ; and that 
God will enable us to extend our views and labours 
further than we have before contemplated. We 
ought not to look merely to the heathen on our own 
continent, but to direct our attention where we may, 
to human appearance, do the most good, and where 
the difficulties are the least. We are to look to the 
climate — established prejudices — the acquisition of 
language — the means of subsistence, &c. &c. All 
these things, I apprehend, are to be considered. The 
field is almost boundless ; in every part of which, 
there ought to be Missionaries. In the language of an 
animated writer, but 1 must say, he is of another court- 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 51 

try, — O that we could enter at a thousand gates, that every 
limb were a tongue, and every tongue a trumpet to spread 
the Gospel sound ! The men of Macedonia cry, Come 
over and help us. This voice is heard from the 
north, and from the south, and from the east, and 
from the west. O that we might glow with desire to 
preach the Gospel to the heathen, that is altogether 
irresistible ! The spirit of burning hath gone forth. 
The camp is in motion. The Levites, we trust, are 
about to bear the vessels, and the great command 
go forward. Let us, my dear brother, rely with the 
most implicit confidence, on those great, eternal, pre- 
cious promises contained in the word of God : And 
Jesus answered and said, verily I say unto you, There is no 
man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, 
or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake and 
the GospePs, but he sjiall receive an hundred fold now in 
this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, 
and children, and lands, with persecutions ; and in the 
world to come, eternal life. Be strong, therefore, and 
let not your hands be weak, for your work shall be 
rewarded. Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most 
mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty ; and in thy 
majesty ride prosperously, because of truth, and 
meekness, and righteousness ; and thy right hand 
shall teach thee terrible things. Let us exclaim with 
the poet, 

''Come then, and added to thy many crowns, 
" Receive yet one, the crown of all the earth. 
;! Thou who alone art worthy ! It was thine 
•' By ancient cov'nant, e'er nature's birth, 
i( And thou hast made it thine by purchase since, 
" And overpaid its value with thy blood," 



52 MEMOIRS OF THE LA'ffc 

" Now, brother Hall, for a review of your letter. 
You complain that the influences of the Holy Spirit 
are in a great measure withdrawn from you. Bro- 
ther Hall, do you expect to be always on Pisgah's 
top ? If you do, farewell ; for you may rest assured, 
that I shall be often, and for a long time in the valley, 
and pe rhaps you would need the telescope of Herschel 
to discover me. I know that we are bound to live a life 
of faith on the Son of God, and that at every departure 
from our duty, we incur immense'guilt. Were it not 
that God is seated on a throne of mercy, I should not 
dare raise my presumptuous eyes towards heaven ; 
but confounded and aghast, must call upon the rocks 
and mountains to fall upon me. But his arm is not 
shortened, that it cannot save ; nor his ear heavy, 
that it cannot hear. Past a doubt, our iniquities have 
separated between him and us. Let us then be 
prayerful, humble, and devout, knowing that in due 
time we shall reap, if we faint not. As to Missions, 
you know some will be greatly animated with the 
subject at first view, and then begin to flag and droop. 
These nre not the men we want, and therefore must 
carefully guard against placing confidence in them. 
1 wish we were able to break forth as to numbers, 
like the Irish rebellion, thirty thousand strong. Not 
a man could be spared. The whole number would 
be wanted. But much as I wish for an increase, I 
would, as far as in my power, prevent those from 
engaging, who had not thought much on the subject, 
and were not prepared to endure all things for the 
elect's sake. Without the aids of divine grace, we 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 53 

shall all fail of attaining this glorious high calling. 
Even Mark once fled from the work of the apostolic 
Mission ; but God blessed the efforts of Paul and 
Barnabas, and they were the means of recovering 
him to a sense of his duty, and he soon obtained a 
good report among the Apostles. A confidence in 
human strength will utterly defeat us." * 

"Ever yours, 

« S. J. MILLS, 
" Mr. Gordon Hall." 

While Obookiah was at New-Haven, Torring- 
ford, and Andover, there was no small degree of in- 
terest excited among the people of God, who were 
acquainted with his history. In ardent anticipa- 
tion of his conversion, and in the full confidence 
that " a new era was about to commence in relation 
to the Sandwich Islands, many prayers were of- 
fered up for this poor stranger. While at Andover, 
as we have the best reason to believe, he became 
the subject of renovating grace. He had been fre- 
quently serious, and had relapsed into stupidity ; and 
particularly during a few months he spent at an 
academy in the vicinity, of Andover, in pursuing 
the elementary branches of education. On his 
return an important change took place in his feel- 
ings, which it will be proper to give in his own 
words: "In the spring season of the year 1811, 
I hired myself out for a month or two, on ac- 
count of my health, with Mr. F. who lived about 
five miles from the college. Mr. F. one day sent me 



54 MKMOIKS QV THE LATL 

into the woods, not far from the house, to work. I 
took an axe, and went and worked there till to- 
ward noon. But here ! O, I come to myself again [ 
many thoughts come into my mind that I was in a 
dangerous situation. I thought that if I should 
then die I must certainly be cast off for ever. 
While 1 was working, it appeared as it was a voice, 
saying, Cut it down, why cumbereth it the ground. I 
worked no longer, but dropped my axe and walked 
a few steps from the place, for the people in the 
house would soon send a lad after me, for it was 
noon. 1 fell upon my knees, and looked up to 
the Almighty Jehovah for help. I was not but an 
undone and hell-deserving sinner. I felt that it 
would be just that God should cast me off whither- 
soever .he would; that he should do with my poor 
soul as it seemed to him fit. I spent sometime here 
until I heard a boy calling for me — and I went. 
The people in the house asked of my sadness — to 
which I gave but little answer. In the night my sleep 
was taken away from me. I kept awake almost the 
whole night. Many of my feelings and thoughts in 
past time, came into remembrance — and how I treat- 
ed the mercy of God while I was at Bradford acade- 
my. The next morning I rose up before the rest, and 
went to a place where 1 was alone by myself. 
Here I went both morning, night, and noon. At 
this little place, I find some comfort. And when 
1 go there, I enjoy myself better all the day*." 
Few persons have given greater evidence of a 

* Memoirs of Obookiah, to which the writer is indebted for the substance of 
the information respecting this beloved youth. 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 55 

work of grace on his heart than this dear heathen 
youth. " By this early and joyful fruit of their la- 
bours, those who had already undertaken his in- 
struction, felt themselves committed and bound to 
proceed ; and others were induced to take a part in 
the labour of love, of fitting him to be a messenger 
of salvation to his countrymen. Whilst these things 
were taking place in respect to Obookiah, the dis- 
covery was made that others of his countrymen were 
wandering in our land, in circumstances which de- 
manded the attention of the friends of Zion. Some 
of them were taken up, and put in a course of in- 
struction." In the mean time, " other youth from 
the Sandwich Islands, and from other parts of the 
heathen world, were soon cast in their way, and in 
such numbers, as to call for more .systematic and 
extended measurest." 

Such was the origin of the Foreign Mission 
School. This Institution was received under the 
care of the American Board of Commissioners for 
Foreign Missions in the autumn of 1816, and consti- 
tutes no uninteresting part of their concern. It is 
from this School that the Mission emanated to the 
Sandwich Islands. In 1819, this Institution con- 
tained thirty-two pupils ; and these of different na-> 
lions, languages, and tongues, under heaven—some 
from the Sandwich Islands — some from the Socie- 
ty Islands — some from Asia, together with seven- 
teen Aboriginal Americans, and six young persons 

t A sermon delivered at the inauguration of the Rev. Hermon Dagget, a-s 
principal of the Foreign Mission School, by Rev. Joseph Harvey, Pastor of a 
Church in Goshen, Connecticut. 



66 MEMOIRS OF TH*E LATE 

of our own country, all enjoying the fostering care of 
the Churches, forming an important object of their 
prayers, and destined, we trust, to " shine as lights" 
in the " dark places of the earth." Since the esta- 
blishment of this Seminary, God has remarkably 
blessed it by the operations of his Holy Spirit. Al- 
though the pupils are admitted into the School in a 
heathen state, twelve of tlie thirty-two have given 
satisfactory evidence of having passed from death 
unto life, and seven from heathen lands have public- 
ly professed their faith in the Redeemer. 

Mr. Mills lived to see this School organized ; and 
until the last, continued to take a deep interest in its 
prosperity, and doubtless to offer up fervent prayers 
for its success. It has been intimated by some 
who were acquainted with his plans, that had he 
been permitted to live, it was his purpose to have ac- 
companied Obookiah on his mission, and to have 
lived and died in Owhyee. But "The Lord reign- 
eth, let the earth rejoice, let the multitude of isles 
be glad thereof. Clouds and darkness are round 
about him; righteousness ana" judgment are the ha- 
bitation of his throne." Obookiah died, in the 26th 
year of his age, on the 17th of February, 1818. 
while a member of the Foreign Mission School, 
greatly beloved by all who knew him, and a splendid 
instance of the power of grace upon the heart of n 
heathen. 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 57 



CHAPTER V. 



HIS MISSIONARY TOURS INTO THE WESTERN AND SOUTHERN 
SECTIONS OF THE UNITED STATES, 



It is yet to be shown by the opposers of Foreign 
Missions, that the abettors of the cause abroad di- 
minishes their zeal for the cause at home. It is a 
maxim founded on actual experience, that the more 
you do for the heathen, the more will be done at 
your own doors. " When once warmed by the ani- 
mating spirit of Missions, good men will naturally 
think of the destitute among themselves. When 
once their selfish stupor is broken, every object with- 
in their reach will feel the benign effect." No where 
are the men to be found who have done half so much 
at home, as those who have accomplished the most 
abroad. Never has Britain achieved any thing like 
so much for the destitute within her own geographical 
limits, and especially for her Irish neighbours, as 
since she began to weep over the ignorance, and su- 
perstition, and death of Hindostan, China, and Afri- 
ca. And if we survey the exertions of the American 
Church, where do we find the most extended, the 
H 



58 MEMOIRS OF THE LAT£ 

most judicious, the most persevering, and the most 
hopeful measures in behalf of the Indians on our own 
continent, if not among those who have shown the 
deepest zeal for Foreign Missions ? 

It affords unfeigned pleasure to be enabled to re- 
cord, that the very individual whom we have seen so 
indefatigably employed in projecting plans for evan- 
gelizing the heathen in distant lands, is the indivi- 
dual to whom all are disposed to yield the palm for 
his exertions in favour of the destitute on our west- 
ern frontier. 

Mr. Mills received ordination as a gospel minister, 
at Newburyport, Massachusetts, in company with 
Messrs. Richards, Bardwell, Poor, Warren, and 
Meigs, on the 21st of June, 1815, all destined 
to Missionary services. In allusion to this inter- 
esting scene, the Report of the Board of Commis- 
sioners says — " Propitious heaven smiled on the 
day. A vast concourse of people assembled, and 
gave every attestation of deep interest. After the 
usual ordination solemnities, about seven hundred 
communicants of different churches sat down to- 
gether at the table of their common Lord and 
Saviour, gratefully to commemorate that divine 
love which was displayed in the great propitiation 
for the sins of the whole world, solemnly to testify 
their joint participation in the heavenly design of 
imparting the blessings of salvation to the perishing 
heathen, and unitedly to set their seal to the prayers, 
and thanksgivings, and vows, and sacred transac- 
tions of the day. The scene throughout was most 
interesting, impressive, and refreshing; and was a 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 59 

precious earnest, as we may devoutly hope, of im- 
mortal blessings to many in distant lands, and of the 
holy joys of that day when they shall come from the 
East, and from the West, and from the North, and 
from the South, and sit down together in the king- 
dom of God." 

Shortly after his ordination, Mr. Mills began to 
make preparations for a Missionary tour through the 
western and southern sections of the United States. 
Very little was known of the reality and extent of 
the moral desolation of this rising portion of our 
country, until the " nakedness of the land" was actual- 
ly surveyed, and the heart-rending report reached 
the ears of the Churches through the instrumentality 
of this indefatigable Missionary. Such was his im- 
pression of the importance of this service, that he 
performed two separate tours through this part of 
our country; the first in the years 1812 and 1813; 
and the last in the years 1814 and 1815. It is not 
known that the first of these expeditions originated 
with himself more than with his worthy com- 
panion, the Rev. John F. Schermerhorn, of the Dutch 
Reformed Church. The last, in which he was ac- 
companied by a man of fervent zeal in the Missionary 
cause, the Rev. Daniel Smith of Natchez, in the Mis- 
sissippi Territory, was of his own projection. 
Though much commendation belongs to Mr. Smith, 
for his patient and laborious exertion in accomplish- 
ing the objects of this Mission, he is pleased to say, 
" The plan of the tour, on which I was Mr. Mills' 
companion, was projected wholly by himself; and if 



66 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

any thing of importance was accomplished by it, the 
praise, under God, is due to him." 

We ought not to pass over this "part of Mr. Mills' 
life, without presenting a brief view of these enter- 
prises of benevolence. The first tour was perform- 
ed under the combined direction and patronage of 
the Connecticut and Massachusetts Missionary So- 
cieties. The principal objects of this Mission were to 
preach the gospel to the destitute — to explore the 
country and learn its moral and religious state — and 
to promote the establishment of Bible Societies, and 
of other religious and charitable institutions. The 
Report of this Mission, which has been before the 
public, presents a mass of results of the most inter- 
esting kind, and giving a new and important view of 
that part of the United States which lies west of the 
Alleghany Mountains; — but the means by which these 
results were secured — the incessant toil — the deep 
self denial — the painful exposures and imminent ha- 
zard, they modestly conceal. It was the plan of 
these gentlemen to take different routes through New- 
York and Pennsylvania; to form a junction at Mari- 
etta in Ohio ; to pass through Kentucky and Tennes- 
see, down to New-Orleans; thence across through 
the Mississippi Territory; and on their return, take 
a course through the western parts of Georgia, Ca- 
rolinas, and Virginia. Five or six hundred miles of 
this route was a mere wilderness. 

In perusing the private Journal kept by Mr. Mills 
during this tour, I have been led to admire how, in 
every sentence, his mind was exclusively intent upon 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 61 

the objects of his mission. On the first page the fol- 
lowing subjects of inquiry are entered, as those 
which he intended to keep steadily in view : 

" Are the people supplied with Bibles and Tracts ? 

How many Bibles are wanted in a county or a 
town ? 

Have supplies of Bibles and Tracts been re- 
ceived in part ? 

From what Societies may supplies be expected ? 

The number of regular Clergy in each county. 

The number of towns able and willing to sup- 
port Ministers. 

Ascertain, as far as may be, the most hopeful 
fields for Missionary labour. 

Whence did the people originate ? 

An Institution for the benefit of the Africans." 

Some of the hardships sustained on the mission 
may be conjectured from a few passages of the Jour- 
nal, on the route from New-Orleans to Georgia, a 
country almost untrodden, except by the natives of 
the wilderness. 

" Friday, April 30. Left Mr. C 's, who is a 

half-breed, has a very handsome plantation and a 
good house. We proceeded about fifteen miles, and 
came to a large creek, which could not be passed 
without swimming our horses. We concluded to go 
up the creek until we could find a log to cross on 
©urselyes, and then carry our baggage across, and 



62 MEArOIRS OF THE LATE 

then swim our horses. We proceeded some distai*ce 
up the creek, four or five miles. Having found a 
place, we got our baggage over, and attempted to 
swim the horses. The first horse we drove in swam 
across, and not finding a good place to ascend the 
opposite bank, returned, floating a little down the 
stream. The bank was too steep and miry for him 
to ascend on the side he started from ; and after hav- 
ing made a number of useless efforts to ascend, he 
appeared very weary, and we feared would fail. We 
were so fortunate as to get near enough to put the 
bridle on him, and at length succeeded in bringing 
him ashore. By tying together our bridles, halters, 
&c. we made them of sufficient length to reach across 
the creek, the one on the opposite side assisting the 
horses in ascending the bank. It was sunset when 
we had the horses safely across the river. It had 
been raining during the afternoon, and we were very 
wet. We encamped on a high ridge of ground near 
the creek, and were so fortunate as to succeed in 
making a fire in a short time. We here began to 
dry our clothes, but w r ere very much fatigued. Our 
way, after we left our trace where we crossed the 
creek, was very bad, without any path at all. Some 
of the time we were ascending and descending ledges 
almost perpendicular. A part of the time we were 
passing through swamps, very miry ; and some of 
the time we had to contend with canebrakes, which 
could not be penetrated but by cutting our way with 
our hatchet. In the evening the rain abated, and 
we had a pretty comfortable night" 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 63 

" May 1. To-day we crossed another creek, and 
eat the last of our bread. 

" Monday, May 3. It rained very hard. Our tent- 
cloth so wet, that it afforded us a poor shelter from 
the storm. Our provisions very low, and we allow 
ourselves to eat but half a meal. In the evening 
heard an Indian whoop, which made us believe we 
were near the habitations of some of these rude sons 
of nature. Dried our blankets, and rested tolerably 
well. 

" Tuesday, May 4. Were early on our way going up 
the river. Had not proceeded far, before we discover- 
ed our trace on the creek, where some Indians had 
lately crossed over, as we perceived by the tracks of 
the horses. We soon heard some one chopping wood 
up the creek. We proceeded near the place, and 
found three or four Indians, who were felling trees 
to cross over for their baggage, which they left on 
our side. They cut down two trees, which the stream 
carried away. We made signs to them to fell a third 
opposite to us, which they did. It did not float away, 
but fell mostly under water. We then made signs 
to them to bring us the axe. One of them swam 
across with it, and we cut two more trees, falling one 
on the other, and both on the one cut on the other 
side. One of the Indians went across on the top of 
the trees, but was obliged to wade in the water to 
his waist. We engaged them to take our baggage 
across, and made preparations for swimming our 
horses. One of the Indians mounted the largest 
horse and rode in. The horse left him in the mid- 
dle of the creek, swam to the opposite bank, and 



64 MEMOIRS OF THi: LAIL 

not finding a good place to ascend, returned to the 
bank he started from, alter floating some distance 
down the stream. We were much afraid we should lose 
him, till at length we caught the bridle, and assisted 
him in gaining the shore. The Indians then took the 
horses down the creek to a place where they thought 
the crossing safe, and landed them on the other bank, 
As I did not like to wade so deep in the water, as I 
must have done, had I crossed on the trees, I as- 
cended a tree, which had fallen part way from the 
bank towards the side, and was lodged against one 
from the opposite bank, the two trees meeting at the 
top over the middle of the river, thirty feet from the 
water. I found as I came down the tree, it was cut 
partly oiT. We were now safe on the other side, with 
our horses and baggage. We soon came to an In- 
dian house, made signs to the women that we want- 
ed something to eat, and they soon brought in a 
large loaf of Indian bread, milk, butter, and honey. 
We ate very heartily, fed our horses with corn, and 
were in readiness to proceed. If we understood 
them, we had now twenty miles to go before we came 
to our stage, having come only forty miles in four 
days. After proceeding some distance we encamp- 
ed on a high ridge for the night." 

" Wednesday, 5. We were on our way early in the 
morning. Came to a large stream, nearly eight rods 
across, very deep, with very little current at all. We 
concluded it entered the Tennessee river not far dis- 
tant, and that the current was impeded by the back 
water from that river. We knew there were many set- 
tlements on the Tennessee, and if we followed the 



iAMUEL J. MILL,- 



65 



stream to its mouth, we should not be able to cross 
it there. We thought it best to proceed up the ri- 
ver, and attempted for some time to keep the bank, 
but were soon involved in the cane brakes and 
swamp. Night came on : we backed out as well as 
we could, and encamped on a high hill. Our 
stock of provisions again became very low." 

" Thursday 6. Pursued our course down the river, 
or rather margin of the swamp, and at night encamp- 
ed on a hill, with the valley and river on our left." 

" Friday 7. Kept down the creek — passed some 
old Indian fields — concluded we could not be far 
from the place where we struck the river on the op- 
posite side. We endeavoured to keep on the bank, 
but the cane brake and green briar could not be 
penetrated. Took the margin of the low lands, and 
at night encamped on a high hill. This night we 
ate the very little meat we had left. 

" Saturday 8. Early on our way. Saw the tracks 
of horses, cattle, &c. Convinced there were Indians 
not far off Before noon we came to a trace, which 
had the appearance of leading to the river. After 
riding several miles, we came to the river opposite 
the place where we just discovered it. There we 
found eight or ten Indians and Indian women, who 
were about crossing the river on a raft. We inquired 
of them how far it was to a house, but could obtain 
no certain information, as they could not, or would 
not speak the English language. We were satisfied 
we were in our trace, and leaving the river, pursued 
our course easterly. We had not gone more than a 
mile or two, before we met an old Indian who could 
I 



66 MEMOIRS Oh' THE LATE 

talk a little English. He informed us we should 
come to an Indian house, proceeding on the trace 
one mile, where we should be able to procure pro- 
vision. We soon arrived at the place, and found 
the Indian a Cherokee, a very pleasant, friendly 
man. I expect he had been making some provision 
for his Indian brethren ; for as soon as we entered 
the house he invited us to sit down at the table. 
Before we left him we provided ourselves with meat, 
bread, and cold Hour. In the afternoon, went on 
our way, rode till near sunset, and encamped. The 
wolves were around the camp in the night." 

In a statement of his labours on this Mission to the 
Trustees of the Missionary Society of Connecticut, 
Mr. Mills says, 

i; South of New Connecticut, few Bibles or reli- 
gious tracts have been received for distribution among 
the inhabitants. The Sabbath is greatly profaned ; 
and but few good people can be found in any one 
place. There are, however, a number of societies 
which are wishing to obtain Ministers for settlement, 
for a part of the time at least, more commonly for six 
months in the year. 

" From Cincinnati Mr. Schermerhorn and myself 
went down the river Ohio to Laurenceburgh in the 
Indiana Territory. Left that place the 24th of No- 
vember, crossed the Ohio into Kentucky, and came 
down the river about 50 miles ; then again crossed 
over into Indiana, and came down some miles on 
that side of the river; then crossed back into Ken- 
tucky, and continued our course within 30 miles of 



•REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 6*7 

she fails of the Ohio, preaching occasionally. We 
found the inhabitants in a very destitute state ; very 
ignorant of the doctrines of the Gospel ; and, in many 
instances, without Bibles, or any other religious 
books. The Methodist preachers pass through this 
country, in their circuits occasionally. There are a 
number of good people in the Territory, who are 
anxious to have Presbyterian Ministers amongst 
them. They likewise wish to be remembered by 
Bible and Religious Tract Societies. 

" Leaving the river, we proceeded on our way 
through Frankfort, an easterly course to Lexington, 
where we arrived December 5th. 

"We left Lexington the 1 1th of December, and 
proceeded on our way to Nashville, in Tennessee, 
where we arrived the 28th. On the 29th rode to 
Franklin, 20 miles from Nashville, and put up with 
Mr. Blackburn. During our stay in this part of Ten- 
nessee, we consulted with a number of pious peo- 
ple, with regard to the expediency of forming a Bi- 
ble Society. They decidedly favoured the object. 
Mr. Blackburn thought there would not be time to 
collect the people, and form a Constitution during 
our stay. He engaged that he would exert himself 
in favour of the object, as did others, men of piety 
and influence. 

" We consulted with Mr. Blackburn on the expe- 
diency of pursuing our course down the river to New- 
Orleans. He advised us to go, and assisted in mak- 
ing the necessary preparations. It was thought best 
for us to descend the river. General Jackson was 
expecting to go in a few days, wjth about 1500 vo- 



'jB MEMOIR 3 OF Til:' LAT^ 

lunteers to Natchez. Mr. Blackburn introduced us 
to the General, who, having become acquainted with 
our design, invited us to take passage on board his 
boat. We accepted the invitation ; and after pro- 
viding some necessary stores for the voyage, and 
making sale of our horses, we embarked the 10th of 
January, 1813. We came to the mouth of the Ohio 
the 27th, where we lay by three days on account of 
the ice. On the 31st we passed New Madrid; and 
the 1 bth of February arrived at Natchez. 

" During our stay at Natchez and the vicinity, we 
introduced the subject of the formation of a Bible So- 
ciety, for the benefit of the destitute in the Missis- 
sippi Territory. The professedly religious people, of 
the diflerent denominations, appeared anxious for the 
establishment of an institution of this kind. A proposal 
was drawn up forameetingof those disposed to aid the 
object, and the time and place of the meeting agreed 
upon. At the time appointed, a number assembled, 
and chose a committee to prepare a constitution, to 
be presented to those disposed to sign it at a second 
meeting, which was to be held at Natchez, three 
weeks from the first meeting. We left with the com- 
mittee a copy of the constitution we had with us, to 
which the one formed for the Mississippi territory 
will most likely be similar. The Bible Society for 
this territory will be supported by a number of the 
most influential characters, both civil and religious. 
We engaged to send them 100 Bibles, and have 
given directions that they should be forwarded to 
Natchez. We likewise encouraged them to hope 
for further donations of Bibles from other societies ; 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 6& 

and engaged, upon our return, to represent their state 
to the Bible Societies of Philadelphia, Connecticut, 
and Massachusetts. As those who engaged in the 
formation of the society, entered upon the subject in 
a very spirited manner, we doubt not the result will 
he a happy one. 

We left Natchez the 12th of March, and went on 
board a flat bottomed boat, where our accommoda- 
tions were but indifferent. The weather was gene- 
rally pleasant, and we arrived at New-Orleans the 
19th. The distance is 300 miles. For 1 CO miles above 
New-Orleans, the banks of the river are cleared, and 
in descending the river you pass many very elegant 
plantations. The whole of this distance the banks 
appear like one continued village. The greater part 
of the inhabitants are French Catholics, ignorant of 
almost every thing except what relates to the in- 
crease of their property ; destitute of schools, Bibles, 
and religious instruction. In attempting to learn the 
religious state of these people, we were frequently 
told, that they had no Bibles, and that the priests did 
not allow of their distribution among them. An 
American, who had resided two or three years at a 
place, which has the appearance of being a flourish- 
ing settlement, and which has a Catholic church, in- 
formed me that he had not seen a Bible during his 
stay at the settlement. He added, that he had heard 
that a woman from the state of New- York had lately 
brought one into the place. 

" Upon our arrival at New-Orleans, we were soon 
made acquainted with a few religious people. The 
number of those possessing this character, in this 



"0 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

place, we are constrained to believe is small. We 
found here a Baptist minister, who has been in this 
city a few months, but expects to leave the place 
soon. He is a sensible man, and to appearance a 
christian. I doubt not he has laboured faithfully in 
the service of his Master. There is no protestant 
church in the city. Attempts have been made to 
obtain a subscription for building one, but have fail- 
ed. There is at present a Methodist preacher in 
the place. I believe he expects to leave it soon. 
The Catholic priests will then be the only profes- 
sedly religious teachers in the city. 

" Soon after our arrival, we introduced the sub- 
ject of a Bible Society. It directly met the wishes 
of the religious people with whom we had become 
acquainted. As we had letters of introduction to 
Governor Clairborne, we called upon him in com- 
pany with a friend. The object of our coming to the 
place was stated to him, and he approved of it. A 
proposal for a meeting was readily signed by him, 
and by 12 of the members of the Legislature, who 
were then in session. About 20 more, principally 
merchants belonging to the city, added their names 
to the list. At the time appointed for establishing a 
Society, the greater part of those who subscribed to 
the proposal met. Previous to the meeting, a con- 
stitution had been formed; and was presented for 
their approbation, should it meet the wishes of those 
present. The constitution was read and consider- 
ed, article by article, and adopted. All present ap- 
peared much gratified with the opening prospect. 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 71 

" We found that, in order to have the Bible cir- 
culate freely, especially among the Catholics, the 
consent of those high in office must be obtained. We 
were frequently told, that the Catholic priests would 
by no means favour the object. We were referred to 
Father Antonio, as he is called, who has greater in- 
fluence with those of his order than even the Bishop* 
who has lately arrived from Baltimore. If the con- 
sent of the former could be obtained, it was allowed 
by those with whom he conversed, that much might 
be done towards distributing the Scriptures among 
the French Catholics. We took a convenient op- 
portunity to call upon the reverend Father. The 
subject was mentioned to him. He said he should 
be pleased to have the Bible circulate among those 
of his order; and that he would approve of the trans- 
lation distributed by the British and Foreign Bible So- 
ciety. In addition to this, he said he would aid in the 
circulation of the Scriptures, should an opportunity 
present. We inquired of him, whether the priests 
in the different parishes would likewise favour the 
good work ? At this inquiry he seemed surprised, 
and answered, " How can you doubt it ? It is for 
their interest to circulate the Scriptures." Upon 
this point, our sentiments were hardly in unison. 
However, we felt no disposition to contradict him. 
We have since called upon the Bishop. He also 
gave his consent, and said he would contribute in fa- 
vour of the infant institution. This disposition in 
the Catholic priests to favour the circulation of the 
Scriptures has very much surprised all with whom 
we have conversed on the subject in the city. The 



72 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

priests acknowledge the nakedness of the land. Fa- 
ther Antonio gave it as his opinion, that we should 
very rarely find a Bihle in any of the French or Spa- 
nish Catholic families, in any of the parishes. And 
the Bishop remarked, that he did not believe there 
were 10 Bibles in the possession of all the Catholic 
families in the state ; and these families constitute 
three-fourths of the population of the state, people of 
colour excepted, as is believed by men of informa- 
tion. When w r e came to this place, we found a num- 
ber of French Bibles and Testaments had been 
sent here for distribution gratis ; and had been on 
band some time. They are now all disposed of, and 
repeated inquiries are made for those books by the 
Catholics. I happened to be in at Mr. Stackhouse's 
store a short time since. During my stay, which w r as 
short, five or six persons came in, inquiring for the 
Bible in the French language. The present is cer- 
tainly a new and interesting era in the history of 
New-Orleans. Mr. Stackhouse informs me, that if 
he had 50 Bibles, he could dispose of them at once 
to the Catholics." 

On the last of these Missions, Mr. Mills left Boston 
in July, 1814; went on to Connecticut, where he 
found the Rev. Mr. Smith, and engaged him to be 
his companion on the tour. Having obtained consi- 
derable assistance from the Philadelphia Bible So- 
ciety, and the Philadelphia Missionary Society, and 
equipt with a large quantity of Bibles and Tracts, 
they proceeded on their journey, followed by the 
prayers of many of the friends of Zion. In the inte- 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. ?£ 

rior of the state of Pennsylvania, they found exten- 
sive tracts of country, and especially the valleys be- 
tween the Allegany Mountains, exceedingly desti- 
tute of religious privileges. Throughout the coun- 
try north of the Ohio River* there was a lamentable 
want both of Bibles and Missionaries. To supply 
the former, they became instrumental in the forma- 
tion of Bible Societies in Pennsylvania, in the In- 
diana, Illinois, and Missouri Territories ; and to sup- 
ply the latter, could do little more, while on their 
tour, than faithfully ascertain and point out the most 
important fields of Missionary labour. Of all these 
territories, they have said to the churches, " We 
have travelled through them ; have seen the naked- 
ness of the land ; and our eyes have affected our 
hearts. We have heard the cry, Come over and 
help us. Would that all Christians at the east would 
lift up their eyes and behold. Could they but see 
what we have seen — thousands ready to perish, their 
eyelids fast closed in spiritual slumber, and none to 
awake them — could they but see the sons and 
daughters of Jerusalem weeping for themselves and 
their children ; surely ministers would no longer be 
wanting, nor funds for their support." Speaking of 
the state of Louisiana, they say, " There are Ameri- 
can families in this part of our country, who never saw a 
Bible, nor heard of Jesus Christ. It is a fact that ought 
not to be forgotten, that so lately as March, 1815, a Bible 
in any language could not be found, for sale, or to be given 
away, in New-Orleans" And yet eight thousand Bi- 
bles would not supply the destitute of this state. 
On this second visit to New r -Orleans, Mr. Mills did 
K 



74 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

much to relieve the desolations discovered on hid 
former tour, and especially in the distribution of the 
Holy Scriptures. Some circumstances attending 
these efforts wc shall present from his private Jour- 
nal, though most of them have been before the 
public. 

" Feb. 10. This morning I called upon Esq. Hen- 
nen ; and concluded, at his request, to take lodgings 
with him for the present. I called in company with 
Mr. H. at the public prison ; there are three hundred 
English soldiers in the prison. A number of Bibles 
had sometime since been distributed among them, 
by one of the managers of the Society. We found 
many of them reading with great attention and se^ 
riousness, the copies which had been furnished them. 
We gave them some additional supply. They re-* 
ceived the Bibles with evident expressions of joy and 
gratitude. We distributed among them likewise a 
number of Religious Tracts and Sermons. They re- 
turned many thanks for them. More or less of the 
soldiers, are, it is said, apparently pious men. They 
informed us, that many of them were furnished with 
Bibles or Testaments, but left them on board the 
fleet In the course of the same day, we called upon 
Dr. Dow. He informed us, that he had furnished 
some of the prisoners with a number of Watts' 
Psalms, and some other religious books. 

" The succeeding day, I called at* the United 
States Hospital, in company with Esq. Nicholson. 
There are three hundred men sick and wounded in 
the hospital; one hundred and eighty are English 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 



prisoners. Upon examining the several wards, we 
found that some of the prisoners had brought their 
Bibles from the fleet ; but this was rarely the case. 
A number of the sick and wounded, both English and 
Americans, expressed an earnest desire to be pos- 
sessed of the sacred Scriptures. Called at the Navy 
Hospital, containing about forty sick. There was 
not a Bible among them, as we could learn ; but 
more or less will thankfully receive them. We call- 
ed at three different places, where a part of the sick 
soldiers belonging to the Kentucky detachment are 
quartered. The whole number of sick at these 
houses is one hundred and twenty. Many of them 
received the information with great satisfaction, 
when informed that some of them could be furnished 
with Bibles. This was manifest, from their counte- 
nances, and from the numerous applications which 
were made for this blessed book. In one of the 
houses we found a number of the sick lying on the 
floor. One was reading from a New Testament to 
those around him. They had not a Bible in the 
house. 

" On the 12th, in the morning, I called with a 
friend at the Charity Hospital. There are forty sick 
soldiers at this hospital belonging to the Tennessee 
troops. They had not a copy of the sacred Scrip- 
tures. A number were very pressing in their soli- 
citations, that we would supply them. We observed 
to them, that they would probably soon leave the 
hospital for Tennessee ; and as they expected to tra- 
vel on foot eight hundred or a thousand miles, they 
could not carrv their Bibles with them, should thev 



?6 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

be supplied. Some of them answered at once, that 
they would leave some other articles, rather than 
their Bibles. Upon our return we sent a number of 
Bibles to the hospital. We called at three different 
places, which we visited yesterday, occupied by the 
sick belonging to the Kentucky detachment, and dis- 
tributed among them seventeen Bibles. They were 
thankfully received. The minds of many of the sick 
appear to be solemnly affected. We hope there are 
some godly persons among them. We explained to 
them the object of the Bible Society ; and charged 
those who received copies of the Bible, to make a 
good use of them. 

" 13th. We sent a number of Bibles to a fourth 
house occupied by about forty sick Kentucky sol- 
diers ; and received many thanks for them. Visited 
a house occupied by the sick troops from Tennes- 
see ; there were one hundred sick at this house, but 
not a Bible among them all. We left one in each 
room. Visited the United States Hospital, and dis- 
tributed thirty Bibles among the destitute. Many 
applications were made for the sacred Scriptures, 
with which we could not comply. It is sickly at the 
present time. Since the 8th of January, a great 
mortality has prevailed. Twenty and even thirty of 
our soldiers have died in a day. 

" 15th. 1 have ascertained that there are a con- 
siderable number of the troops belonging to the mi- 
litia of this State, who are sick in hospitals, on the 
opposite side of the river. It is the impression of 
many who go to the hospitals, that they shall die in 



RET. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 



37 



them. This impression perhaps hastens their disso- 
lution in some instances. 

" 16th. We visited a hospital occupied by the 
Tennessee troops. One hundred are sick at this 
place. They had no Bibles in the house. Found a 
few leaves of the Old Testament in the possession of 
one of the soldiers. Distributed among them four- 
teen Bibles. They were very thankfully received. 

" llth. To day there was a meeting of the mana- 
gers of the Bible Society. They voted their thanks 
to the societies that had generously aided them by 
donations in Bibles. Visited one of the hospitals, 
prayed with and addressed the sick in two of the 
wards. A sick man from Tennessee appeared to be 
much exercised in his mind. He seemed conscious 
of his ruined state by nature, and of the necessity of 
his exercising repentance toward God, and faith in 
the Lord Jesus Christ, in order to obtain the salva- 
tion of his soul. The sick appeared much gratified 
by the attention paid them. 

" ISth. 1 visited to-day, in company with Mr. N. 
one of the hospitals, at which we had previously call- 
ed, and in which we had left a few copies of the Bi- 
ble. Some of the men had died since our first visit 
to them ; and others had so far recovered as to be 
able to leave the house ; and their places had been 
supplied by the sick brought in from the camp. We 
found a number of the rooms containing eight or ten 
sick, without a copy of the sacred Scriptures. Sup- 
plied one copy to each room, and received many 
thanks. 

" 22c?. I crossed the river to-day, and visited the 



78 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

sick soldiers in the barracks. In two rooms there 
were near one hundred sick. It is truly affecting 
to visit these abodes of disease and death. The sick 
have not generally beds or mattresses. With medi- 
cal aid they are tolerably well furnished ; still no 
doubt many of them suffer much for the want of 
proper attendance. In some instances, when I have 
been attending the sick in one room, I could hear 
those in the room adjacent, crying out with great 
earnestness, Lord have mercy on us : — Jesus Christ, 
have mercy on us. I informed those I visited that 
there were some Bibles on hand to be given to the 
sick and the destitute. There were many applica^ 
tions for them. During my stay at the barracks 1 
was at six or eight of the rooms. There was not a 
Bible to be found in any of them. I have found un- 
usual freedom in speaking to the sick and the dying 
in the hospitals. They almost uniformly give very 
strict attention to what is said ; and their tears wit- 
ness for them that they do not remain unaffected. 
God only knows how lasting their serious impressions 
may be. But from what I have seen and heard in 
the hospitals, I am inclined to believe that some of 
the sufferers have been born again, even on the 
threshold of the grave. Many of the troops, after 
their arrival in the vicinity of this place, were sub- 
jected to great fatigue while defending the lines. 
Many of them were standing or lying, for some suc- 
cessive days and nights, in the low marshy ground 
where the water was near a foot deep. The weather 
some of the time was so cold as to freeze ice a quar- 
ter of an inch in thickness. Some of the soldiers al 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 79 

this time were but poorly clothed ; three or four 
physicians from Kentucky and Tennessee have died 
but a short time since. 

"23d. This morning more than four hundred 
English prisoners left this place. They went on 
board the steam-boat and two sloops which were to 
carry them to the fleet, or the proper vessel pre- 
pared to receive them lying off the mouth of the 
river. 

" After their departure, I called at the prison, and 
obtained leave of the keeper, to examine the rooms, 
which had been vacated by the prisoners, in order to 
ascertain whether any of the Bibles we had distribu- 
ted were remaining in them. But not a Bible had 
been left, nor the remnant of a religious tract. The 
prisoners had retained them all. The servant in- 
formed me that he saw them packing them up in 
their knapsacks, a little time previous to their de- 
parture. 

" From the manner in which the prisoners received 
the Bibles, and from the care with which they pre- 
served them, we have reason to believe they will be 
very serviceable to many of them. 

" 25th. This morning I crossed the river to visit 
the sick soldiers in the barracks, now converted into 
hospitals. There are three hundred and sixty in the 
barracks. Some of them are dangerously ill. Five 
or six died the last night. I went into a number of 
the rooms, containing each from thirty to forty sick, 
In one room at which 1 called, there was a corpse 
lying on the floor, partially wrapped in a blanket. 
One person appeared to be in the agonies of death. 



3d MEMOIRS OE THE LATE 

apparently insensible to every thing around him. 
Others were groaning, and calling for assistance. A 
number came in from the adjacent rooms. I ad- 
dressed those present, and prayed with them ; they 
were attentive and solemn. In five of the rooms I 
left ten Bibles. Many of them appeared in some 
measure rightly to estimate the precious book. 
The gratitude they manifested upon the reception of 
the Bibles was an ample reward for the exposure and 
labour attendant on furnishing them. Previous to 
this distribution there was not a single copy of the 
Bible to be found, as I could learn, among near four 
hundred men in the barracks. After leaving the 
sick now referred to, I passed a number of additional 
rooms, containing sick soldiers. Near one of the 
rooms I observed three dead bodies, wrapped in 
blankets. The deceased died in the same room 
during the last night. But few of the dead, 1 be- 
lieve, are buried in coffins. Before I left the bar- 
racks I became acquainted with General Morgan., 
who has the command of the militia of this state. I 
saw likewise Dr. G. and Dr. R. who are the two prin- 
cipal physicians in this department. They sent two 
men with me to obtain an additional number of Bi- 
bles, for those rooms which as yet remained unsup- 
plied. I sent back by them twenty-four; making in 
the whole thirty-four distributed in the barracks. 

" I lately visited the camp, occupied by the Ken- 
tucky detachment. Gen. Thomas informed me, that 
out of about 2,000 men belonging to this detachment, 
there were at the present time 800 on the sick list. 
The Kentucky troops are not supplied with even a 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 81 

single chaplain, while there are four attached to the 
troops from the state of Tennessee. I have ascer- 
tained that there are three or four houses near the 
camp (which is three miles below the city, ) contain- 
ing sick soldiers, which have as yet received no sup- 
ply of Bibles. The officers are, I believe, uniformly 
attentive to the sick belonging to their several de- 
tachments. 

" 21th. This morning I crossed the river to visit 
the sick in the barracks. Dr. G. introduced me to 
one of the sick under his care. He wished me to 
converse with him. The sick man professed to hope 
that he was made a subject of the renewing grace of 
God about three years since. He readily acknow- 
ledged his lost and ruined state by nature, and pro- 
fessed his confidence in Jesus Christ as the great 
atoning sacrifice. He remarked, that he had no 
fears of death. He said he felt happy to be in the 
hands of a good and merciful God, and was willing 
to be at his disposal. He professed the fullest con- 
fidence in the rectitude of the divine government, 
and would endeavour to trust in the Lord. He 
added, that he had an aged and infirm mother, who 
looked to him for support and consolation; and if it 
should please heaven, he could wish to recover, in 
hopes of relieving her sorrows, as she descended into 
the vale of years. After conversing with the sick 
man, I addressed those present. A number came in 
from the adjoining rooms. We sang, and closed 
with prayer. The season was a very solemn one, — 
many were in tears. 

"March 1st. To-day I crossed the river to visit 
L 



82 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

the sick. During my stay, preached to more than 
200 of the soldiers, who were able to assemble. The 
meeting was a solemn and interesting one. Dr. G. 
and Dr. R. expressed their thanks for the attention 
paid to those under their care. They wished to 
have their thanks presented to the managers of the 
Bible Societies, who had furnished them with the 
sacred Scriptures. 

" One of the chaplains belonging to the Tennessee 
detachment informed me lately, that most of the in- 
temperate men from that state had died since they 
came here; his expression was, the hard drinkers 
are nearly all gone. 

" 5th. To-day I visited one of the hospitals. The 
soldiers had so far recovered from their sickness as 
to be able tojoin their fellows in the camp. 

" The hospital is now principally occupied by the 
needy and the sick from the city. The soldiers who 
have left the hospital have taken their Bibles with 
them, and there are a number of needy people in it, 
without any supply. 

" 1th. I called to-day at one of the houses occu- 
pied by the Kentucky sick soldiers. Some of them 
have been a long time sick, but appear to be re- 
covering. Numbers are still dangerously ill; they 
lie around the floor in all directions, some groaning 
and some praying; they however gaye very strict 
and solemn attention while I addressed them, and 
prayed with them. It was the first serious address 
and prayer that numbers of them had heard since 
they left home, and perhaps for years. When I was 
about leaving the room, one of the men, as he lay on 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS, 83 

the floor, reached out his hand, and grasping mine, 
exclaimed, " God bless you — God bless you " I en- 
tered into conversation with him, and ascertained, that 
for some time past he had entertained a hope that he 
had been born again. After conversing with him 
freely, I left him with a request to examine himself 
as in the presence of the heart-searching God, who 
could not be deceived, and would not be mocked. 
What will be the result of exertions to relieve the 
wretched in these abodes of misery — these cages of 
despair, God only knows. He hath the hearts of all 
men in his hands, and here our hopes rest. 

" \Oth. To-day, in company with Mr. Smith, I 
called at one of the hospitals, and made some inqui- 
ries respecting the Bibles which had been left there 
some time since. There were two rooms containing 
the sick; only one Bible w T as remaining in each. 

"11th. This morning I rode down to the Ken- 
tucky camp; the Generals Adair and Thomas ac- 
companied me. I had made a previous appointment 
to preach at the camp at ten o'clock A. M. The 
notice had been given to the soldiers, and arrange- 
ments made. The place for preaching was in the 
open field. A platform was prepared for the speaker 
to stand on, raised six or eight feet from the ground. 
A large congregation was collected in a short time. 
As many as eight hundred or a thousand soldiers 
were present. They behaved with great propriety 
during the service — were solemn and attentive. 55 

On this mission Mr. Mills was particularly in- 
trusted, by the Philadelphia Bible Society, with the 



84 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

distribution of a quantity of French Bibles. The 
manner in which this trust was discharged, and the 
Testaments received, by the Roman Catholics in 
New-Orleans and its vicinity, we shall present by an 
extract from his Report to the Philadelphia Society. 

" As has already been stated, I reached New-Or- 
leans on the tenth of February. I soon ascertained 
that the 3000 copies of the Testament, directed to 
the care of the managers of the Louisiana Bible So- 
ciety, had been received. But none of them had at 
that time been offered to the people. A few copies 
were given out on the day I arrived in the place. 
The succeeding day an additional number was dis- 
tributed. 

" The day following, February 12th, the number 
of the destitute who made application for a supply 
very much increased. From nine o'clock A. M. to 
one P. M. the door of the distributor was thronged 
with from fifty to one hundred persons. Those who 
applied were of all ages and of all colours. They 
were literally clamorous in their solicitations for the 
sacred book. For some successive days the appli- 
cants became still more numerous. In a week after 
the distribution of the Testaments commenced, one 
thousand copies were given out. Some of those who 
requested a supply came prepared to purchase 
them. They remarked to the distributor that they 
must have a supply by some means. The Principal 
of the College, and a number of the instructors of the 
public schools in the city, presented written state- 
ments, containing a list of the scholars under their 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS 85 

care, who would make a profitable use of the Tes- 
taments, could the charity be extended to them. 
These statements were respectfully addressed to the 
distributor, with a request that as many of the scho- 
lars might be supplied as was consistent with the 
views of the Managers of the Society. Their solici- 
tations were, in most cases, complied with. 

" Pere Antonio, a leading character in the Roman 
Catholic Church in the city, very readily aided in 
the circulation of the Testaments among his people. 
Some more than two years ago, the Rev. Father en- 
gaged to assist in the distribution of French Bibles 
and Testaments. Soon after I arrived in the city, I 
called upon him, in company with Mr. Hennan. We 
informed him that the Testaments had been received 
from the Managers of the Philadelphia Bible Socie- 
ty, and presented him with a number of copies. He 
expressed great satisfaction, and repeatedly invoked 
the blessing of God on the donors. He observed, 
that God would certainly bless the generous, pious 
men, who had exerted themselves to give to the des- 
titute his holy word. He expressed his desire to 
obtain an additional number of copies, and engaged 
that he would make the most judicious distribution 
of them in his power. He remarked, that he would 
give them to those persons who would be sure to 
read them through. 

After our visit to Antonio, his attendant called for 
two or three copies of the Testament. The man who 
attends at the cathedral was anxious to receive one. 
His choir of singers likewise requested a supply. 
, " Soon after the distribution of the Testaments 



86 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

commenced, Mr. Herman called upon Mr. Du Bourg, 
the administrator of the Bishopric, and informed him 
that the Testaments, printed by the managers of the 
Philadelphia Bible Society, had been received ; and 
that some copies had been given to the people. The 
Bishop observed, that he had been made acquainted 
with the circumstance by some of his people, who 
had called upon him to ascertain, whether he would 
advise them to receive the Testaments. He added, 
that as they were not of the version authorized by 
the Catholic church, he could not aid in the distribu- 
tion of them. When the distribution of the Testa- 
ments in the convent was suggested, the Bishop re- 
marked, that the parents of the children who receiv- 
ed instruction at that place were at liberty to furnish 
them if they thought best. I had myself an interview 
with the Bishop : during our conversation he express- 
ed to me his regret that the Roman Catholic version 
of the Testament, printed in Boston in 1810, had 
not been followed, rather than the version printed 
by the British and Foreign Bible Society. He ob- 
served, however, that he should prefer to have the 
present version of the Testament in the possession 
of the people, rather than have them remain entirely 
ignorant of the sacred Scriptures. I here state one 
or two incidents which occurred, as related by the 
Bishop, connected with the circulation of the Testa- 
ments. — A poor woman of his flock called on him, 
and handing him one of the Testaments — apparent- 
ly with great anxiety, addressed him in the following 
manner: Good Father, what book is this? The 
Bishop looking at it, replied, Why, my child, it is the 



EEV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 87 

history of the Evangelists — it is the Gospel. I know 
that, replied the woman ; but is it a book you would 
recommend to your people? Said the Bishop, It is 
a Protestant version; it is as Calvin Mould have 
translated it. Good Father, replied the woman, keep 
the book, keep the book! My child, answered the 
Bishop, you may retain the book, if you please. 
Read it with care ; and should you find any thing 
contrary to the Catholic faith, you will bear in mind 
that it is a Protestant version. 

" Miss J. one of the Nuns, called upon the Bishop 
somewhat agitated. She had been reading the Tes- 
tament. Her mind was perplexed by the expression, 
in the summary of the first chapter of the First Epis- 
tle of St. John: ' Et la confession de nos peches a 
Dieu ;' and the confession of our sins to God. She had 
been taught, that the confession of our sins was to be 
made to the priest ; or rather to God, as the Roman 
Catholics say, through or by the priest. She inquired 
what could be intended by the expression, confession 
of our sins to God. He informed her that the transla- 
tion was a Protestant one, and that the expression 
she referred to was prefixed to the chapter by the 
translator. The Bishop remarked to me that he 
thought it not proper, that any explanations of the 
contents of the chapters should be prefixed to either 
Bibles or Testaments, designed for circulation among 
the Roman Catholics. 

" As early as the first of March, fifteen or sixteen 
hundred copies of the Testaments had been given 
out. Many of those who applied for them were very 
earnest in their requests. Some of them said, that 



88 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

thev came in from the country, and could not be de- 
nied ; and some of them, that they had made repeat- 
ed applications, without success. Some wished the 
Testaments for themselves; some for a son or a 
daughter, and some were anxious to obtain a copy 
for each of their children. It was frequently the case, 
that numbers would remain a considerable time at 
the door of the distributor, after notice was given that 
no more Testaments would be given out until the 
succeeding day. Many applications were made by 
people of colour. We found that a much greater 
proportion of them, both old and young, could read 
intelligibly, than has generally been supposed. 

" A little previous to the attack of the English on 
New-Orleans, three or four hundred free people of 
colour were organized into companies, for the de- 
fence of that place. A number of these men called 
for copies of the Testament. One of them wished to 
know whether the officers of the companies, with 
whom he was connected, might be furnished each 
with a copy. He was answered in the affirmative, 
and informed that many of the privates could also be 
supplied. He expressed much surprise, that so 
many Testaments should be given away. He in- 
quired from whence they came — whether they were 
the gift of the Legislature of the State, or of the Ge- 
neral Government. He was informed that they were 
sent on by the managers of the Bible Society of Phi-, 
ladelphia. The object of the Society was explained 
to him. The gratuitous distribution of the Scriptures 
is a thing so novel in this part of our country, that it 
excites much surprise. There is probably a much 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 89 

greater proportion of the French people able to read 
than has generally been supposed. The 5000 Tes- 
taments will furnish but a very partial supply. 

" Mr. K. one of the managers of the Bible Society, 
informed me, that an elderly woman, a Roman Catho- 
lic, called on him for a Testament. She remarked 
to him, that she was very anxious to read it, and had 
applied several times to the distributor for a copy, 
but without success. Mr. K. obtained one for her: 
she received it with tears of joy. She informed him, 
that when a girl her father had a book, which he va- 
lued much, and which he used to keep in a private 
manner. She thought it was the Bible, and for a 
long time had been desirous of obtaining it. She 
remarked, that now she had such a book as her fa- 
ther used to have. 

" Soon after my arrival at New-Orleans, I had 
some conversation with a respectable planter, a Ro- 
man Catholic, respecting the circulation of the Tes- 
taments. He remarked to me, that he did not think 
a good Catholic had any occasion to read the Bible. 
Before I left that place, I ascertained that he had 
perused some portions of the Testament. And he 
informed a friend of his, that what he had read ex- 
cited in his mind many reflections. A woman and 
her daughter came in from the Bayou St. John, two 
miles from the city. She informed the distributor, 
that she had heard that there were Bibles and Tes- 
taments to be given to the destitute, and that she was 
hardly disposed to credit the report. She conclu- 
ded, however, she would 4 Come and see.' 

Ci In the Spring of 1811, eight or ten thousand of 
M- 



90 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

the inhabitants of St. Domingo came to this part of 
our country. Most of them remained in New-Or- 
leans. Many of them are about to return to St. Do- 
mingo, and will take with them the Testaments, 
where the sacred Scriptures have rarely, if ever, been 
introduced. Some copies have been sent to the 
Havana, in the island of Cuba. 

" On the first of April, in company with a friend, I 
set out upon a visit to the Attakapas country. We 
proceeded up the east bank of the Mississippi about 
eighty miles ; then crossed the river and went in a 
westerly and south-westerly direction, between fifty 
and sixty miles into the country. We often called at 
the houses by the way, distributed a number of Tes- 
taments in different parts of the country, and inform- 
ed the people that a quantity had been sent on for 
gratuitous distribution by the Philadelphia Bible So- 
ciety, and where they might apply to obtain them. 
" Have we not reason to hope, that in this region 
and shadow of death, the true light is beginning to 
shine ? May it shine more and more until the per- 
fect day !" 

On Mr. Mills' return from this tour, it very natural- 
ly became an object of desire with him to turn the 
attention of the Atlantic States to that destitute re- 
gion. Before his return to New-England, he took 
pains to have an interview with the managers of the 
Baltimore and Philadelphia Societies, and to give 
them a full view of the real condition of these por- 
tions of our country. The same representation 
was also made in substance to the Connecticut Bible 



£EV. SA5IFEL J. MILL*. 9i 

Society, as well as to the Society who were the im- 
mediate patrons of the enterprise. In consequence 
of this, the Baltimore and Philadelphia Societies 
came to a resolution immediately to set on foot mea- 
sures to supply the Southern and Western country 
with Bibles; and the Connecticut Bible Society 
promptly voted five hundred Bibles to the sister 
Society in Louisiana, for gratuitous distribution, 
wherever they were in the greatest demand ; and the 
whole country received a new impulse in favour of 
domestic Missions. 

We cannot finish the narrative of this Mission more 
acceptably than in the closing paragraph of Mr. 
Mills' own Report : 

"We have now given a brief account of our tour— 
of our exertions, and of the success with which the 
Lord has been pleased to favour us, in advancing the 
kingdom of our Redeemer. We have presented 
some sketches of the moral and religious state 
of the country, through which we have passed. — In 
reviewing the whole, we feel compelled to call upon 
our own souls, and to call upon the patrons of the 
mission, to bless the Lord. Surely goodness and 
mercy have followed us all the way. On a journey 
of more than six thousand miles, and passing through 
a great variety of climates — in perils in the city, in 
perils in the wilderness, in perils on the rivers, and 
in perils on the sea — the Lord has preserved us.— 
Neither can we forbear to express our obligations to 
our dear Christian friends in the western country. 
We were strangers, and they took us in. From many 



92 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

we received pecuniary aid, besides other important 
services; while the kind attentions and Christian 
fellowship of others alleviated our labours and com- 
forted our bear's, 

" In return for these favours, we have felt com- 
pelled to do what we could for them. Ever since we 
came back to this land of Christian privileges, we 
have been endeavouring to arouse the attention of 
the public, and to direct it towards the west. These 
exertions have been stimulated by a deep conviction 
of the deplorable state of that country. Never will 
the impression be erased from our hearts, that has 
been made by beholding those scenes of wide-spread- 
ing desolation. The whole country, from Lake Erie 
to the Gulf of Mexico, is as the valley of the Shadow 
of Death. Darkness rests upon it. Only here and 
there, a few rays of Gospel light pierce through the 
awful gloom. This vast country contains more than 
a million of inhabitants. Their number is every year 
increased, by a mighty flood of emigration. Soon 
they will be as the sands on the sea-shore for multi- 
tude. Yet there are at present only a little more than 
one hundred Presbyterian or Congregational minis- 
ters in it. Were these ministers equally distributed 
throughout the country, there would be only one to 
every ten thousand people. But now there are dis- 
tricts of country, containing from twenty to fifty thou- 
sand inhabitants, entirely destitute. And how shall 
they hear without a preacher ? 

" From the estimates made, it appears that 
seventy-six thousand families are destitute of the sacred 
volume, in this portion of our country. These 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 93 

estimates are not ungrounded and exaggerated 
conjectures. They are the result of much inquiry 
and patient examination. It is our sober convic- 
tion, that at least 76,000 Bibles are necessary for 
the supply of the destitute; and the number is 
every year increasing. Most of those who emigrate 
from the older States are poor: there are many young 
men who go into that country, and are married af- 
terwards — and never have an opportunity of supply- 
ing their families with Bibles. The number of Bi- 
bles, sent there by all the Societies in the United 
States, is by no means as great as the yearly in- 
crease of the destitute. The original number still 
remains unsupplied. When we entered on the mis- 
sion, we applied in person to the oldest and weal- 
thiest of these institutions for Bibles to distribute in 
the western country : but w r e could only obtain one 
solitary donation. The existing Societies have not 
yet been able to supply the demand, in their own 
immediate vicinity. Some mightier effort must be 
made. Their scattered and feeble exertions are by 
no means adequate to the accomplisbment of the ob- 
ject. It is thought by judicious .people, that half a 
million of Bibles are necessary for the supply of the 
destitute in the United States. It is a foul blot on 
our national character. Christian America must 
arise and wipe it away. — The existing Societies are 
not able to do it. They want union ; — they want co- 
operation; — they want resources.. If a National In- 
stitution cannot be formed, application ought to be 
made to the British and Foreign Bible Society for 
aid." 



94 MEMOIRS OP THE LATJE 

The beneficial results of these two Missionary 
tours can never be duly appreciated. By these means 
the whole extent of our western and southern terri- 
tory was explored, and an accurate disclosure of its 
moral and spiritual desolation made to the Churches ; 
— the Gospel of the grace of God was preached to a 
vast multitude of the dwellers in the wilderness ; — no 
less than ten or twelve Missionaries were sent among 
them, the very first year after the information of their 
wants was circulated, and more the second, and still 
more the third ; — five or six Bible Societies were es- 
tablished in different States and Territories; — thou- 
sands of Bibles were forwarded from the Atlantic 
Societies to the people of the west ; — and besides 
these, many thousands of religious Tracts have gone, 
the winged messengers of salvation, into every sec- 
tion of the country ; and, in defiance of its obstinate 
and long-continued barrenness, our own wilderness 
begins to blossom as the rose. 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS- 95 



CHAPTER VL 



HIS INSTRUMENTALITY IN BRINGING FORWARD THE 
AMERICAN BIBLE SOCIETY, AND THE UNITED FO- 
REIGN MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 



Soon after his return from his last tour through the 
Western and Southern Country, Mr. Mills left New- 
England, and took up his residence in the Middle 
States, and within the bounds of the Presbyterian 
Church. Here he spent two of the most profitable 
years of his life, unobserved, and almost unknown, 
yet silently exercising an influence, and setting in 
motion several illustrious plans of mercy to mankind,, 
He resided alternately in Albany, IN ew- York, New- 
ark, Philadelphia, and Washington ; and his atten- 
tion was here principally occupied in consulting 
with men of influence among the Clergy and Laity as 
to the wisdom and practicability of several of his un- 
accomplished purposes. 

Among these was the establishment of a National 
Bible Society. We have no warrant to say that the 
idea of a National Bible Society first originated with 
Mr. Mills. As early as the year 1810, a proposition 



96 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

for a national institution was submitted to the New- 
York Bible Society, by the Rev. Secretary of the Bri- 
tish and Foreign Bible Society, accompanied by 
some very flattering overtures, in the event of car- 
rying the proposition into effect. Essentially the 
same proposition was also made to the Philadelphia 
Bible Society. To this proposition the Directors of 
both these Societies returned a full and decided ne- 
gative. And it is but justice to say, that long after 
this intimation was laid to rest, the plan of the exist- 
ing American Bible Society originated in the bosom 
of Mr. Mills. 

At the close of the report of the southern and wes- 
tern tour, we find the sentiment : " If a national institu- 
tion cannot be formed, application in behalf of these 
destitute ought to be made to the British and Foreign 
Bible Society for aid." The formation of this natio n- 
al institution Mr. Mills thought of, and suggested, and 
pressed the suggestion, long before it probably en- 
tered into the mind of any other individual. With 
the gentlemen who were interested in the early 
stages of this measure, he had frequent interviews; 
and though he concealed the hand that moved it for- 
ward, was himself the principal mover of the design, 
and a principal agent in inducing others of greater 
weight of character to become its abettors. The 
writer well recollects the efforts of this persevering 
man to attain this important object. With some 
hope that the measure might be brought forward by 
the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, 
in 1814 he procured a consultation of his fathers and 
brethren in the ministry as to the expediency of setting 



HEV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. '97 

the pian on foot at that meeting. Though the wri- 
ter was not himself interested in the consultation, he 
had the honour to be a member of the Assembly that 
year, and is personally acquainted with the indivi- 
duals with whom his friend did consult, as well as 
with the result of the consultation. It was then 
thought to be the best advised course, that, for the 
sake of avoiding every thing like a sectarian influ- 
ence and form, and embodying the mass of Christian 
effort of all denominations, the measure should ori- 
ginate with no one ecclesiastical body, but with some 
one of the State Bible Societies, who could give it 
currency with the least suspicion of local or party 
views. It was on the rising of the Assembly that 
year, that a respectable member of that body, to 
whom Mr. Mills had intimated the design, on his re- 
turn from Philadelphia to Boston, had an interview 
with the venerable man by whose industry and vigi- 
lance the proposition was at length submitted to the 
different Bible Societies, and by whose intelligent 
piety and princely munificence, so early and power- 
ful an impulse was given to this magnificent institu- 
tion. It was at this interview the foundation of this 
lofty edifice was laid; and if it has inscribed on 
one side the endeared and memorable name of 
Elias Boudinot, it has on the other the humble in- 
scription of Samuel J. Mills. 

The following letter will be regarded as additional 
evidence of the part which Mr. Mills took in origina- 
ting this Society. In a communication to the writer, 
Mr. Smith, his companion on the southern tour, re- 
marks, " Having been associated with Mr. Mills in one 
N 



98 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

of his most important undertakings, and having been 
his constant and confidential companion for the 
greater part of a year, amid a great variety of la- 
bours, dangers, and trials ; at a period too when 
nearly all his grand schemes of benevolence were in 
a train of accomplishment, 1 have enjoyed some im- 
portant advantages for understanding his very 
peculiar and interesting character. An important 
matter that occupied much of the attention of our 
lamented brother, was the formation of the American 
Bible Society. It was on his mind for years before 
it was formed. Indeed, he once gave me distinctly 
to understand that it originated with him. At a very 
early period he procured a friend to write one or 
more essays upon the subject, which were published. 
He carried the plan with him on both his missionary 
tours to the south and west, and exerted his influ- 
ence in favour of the contemplated institution." 

Mr. Mills continued to take a deep interest in the 
formation of the Bible Society, and to use all his ex- 
ertions with his friends in favour of it, until the very 
day arrived on which it was organized. It was on the 
8th day of May, 1816, a day long to be remembered 
in the annals of the American people. A conven- 
tion of delegates from different Bible Societies in 
the United States, having been invited to assemble 
on that day in the city of New- York, " resolved 
unanimously, that it is expedient to establish, with- 
out delay, a general Bible Institution, for the circula- 
tion of the Holy Scriptures, without note or com- 
ment." This convention did not close their sessions 
till they had prepared and adopted the Constitution 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. $9 

and elected the Managers of the Society, and issued 
an address to the people of the United States, giving 
information of the existence of the Institution, and 
inviting their co-operation in the benevolent and ex- 
alted cause. It is hardly necessary to remark, that 
this was a day to which Mr. Mills looked forward 
with the deepest interest. Of course he was pre- 
sent at the meeting. And when the discussions 
had proceeded so far that it was no longer doubt- 
ful that a union of different denominations would 
be formed in this stupendous work of charity, then 
you might have seen him, elevated on a distant 
seat behind the crowd, contemplating the scene 
with a look of divine delight, which it would re- 
quire the pencil of a West or a Raphael to deline- 
ate. That countenance was observed at the mo- 
ment ; and it left an impression which will probably 
be retained among the last traces of memory. 

It was long an object of earnest solicitude with Mr. 
Mills, to see the spirit of missions excited throughout 
the Presbyterian Church. Though the General As- 
sembly have, from the formation of that venerable 
body, been engaged in the pious and benevolent 
work of sending the Gospel to the destitute in the 
new settlements ; and though the missionary con- 
cerns of this portion of the Christian Church have 
been gradually increasing in extent and importance, 
and proved highly beneficial to the Presbyterian in- 
terest, and greatly instrumental in promoting the 
common cause of Christianity; yet we have done 
comparatively little in the great cause of Missions, 



100 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

Though we started in the race early, other denomi- 
nations, on this, as well as on the other side of the 
Atlantic, have run far before us. It is time the pain- 
ful fact were considered and bewailed, that, too in- 
tent upon local interests, we have as yet caught lit- 
tle of the spirit which animates our brethren of other 
denominations, and burns with zeal to shed the light 
of salvation through the region and shadow of death. 

This Mr. Mills saw and lamented. Perceiving the 
Presbyterian Church to cover so vast a territory, and 
to possess so large a share of the property of the 
whole country; acquainted as he was with the evan- 
gelical spirit of her ministers, and the frequent out- 
pourings of the Holy Spirit upon her congregations; 
he had a powerful conviction, that little else was ne- 
cessary than to awaken her attention and combine 
her energies. While this subject was revolving in 
his thoughts, he was residing at Newark, in New- 
Jersey, under the roof of one with whom he was ac- 
quainted in his youth, who was his father's friend, and 
whom he always viewed as a father and a confidant. 
Here he matured the plan which eventuated in the 
union of the three Churches, involving the Presby- 
terians of the General Assembly, the Dutch Reform- 
ed, and the Associate Reformed, in that catholic and 
truly Christian institution, " The United Foreign 
Missionary Society." 

In a communication to his father, dated New-York, 
May, 1818, he writes, " 1 have expected to visit you 
this season, but I have lately concluded to attend the 
settings of the General Assembly at Philadelphia. As 
yet, I am not determined with respect to the course 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 101 

I shall pursue for the summer. I have under consi- 
deration some plans, one at least of importance, 
which will be probably presented to the Assembly : 
— I mean the formation of a Foreign Missionary So- 
ciety in the Presbyterian connexion. Dr. G 

thinks it important I should aid the object, by using 
what influence 1 may have with gentlemen, who will 
be present at Philadelphia." 

Mr. Mills attended the Assembly, and in a subse- 
quent communication to the same person, he says, 
" I have spent a part of my time in Philadelphia and 
a part in New-York. The Presbyterian Church, it 
is well known, have heretofore, as a Church, made 
no exertions to send Missionaries out of the limits of 
the States. I have for a long time thought it desira- 
ble that their attention should be directed to the sub- 
ject of Foreign Missions ; not only with the view of 
sending the Gospel to the destitute abroad, but in 
hope that exertion of this kind might excite more 
zeal for the diffusion of religious knowledge in our 
own country. I conceive the object is secured. The 
General Assembly, at their last session, chose a 
committee of seven members to consult with the 
Dutch and Scotch Churches, and ascertain whether 
they w r ould not unite with the Presbyterian Church 
in the formation of a Foreign Missionary Society. 
The Committees of the Dutch and Scotch are also 
appointed, and I think the prospect in favour of the 
union. I conceive there is no doubt the Presbyterian 

Church will move forward in this business. Dr. G 

and Dr. R are on the Committee, and very much 

in favour of the object. The formation of a Foreign 



102 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

Missionary Society in these churches, will be esteem- 
ed one of the grandest objects which has ever been 
effected within their limits. I would not intimate 
that I have been the prime mover in this business ; 
ifl have been permitted with others, to aid the ob- 
ject, it is enough." Notwithstanding this modest re- 
serve, next to the Spirit of God upon his heart, Mr. 
Mills ivas the " prime mover in this business ;" and 
he had the satisfaction to see the three divisions of 
the Presbyterian interest in our country united with 
perfect harmony, and under the sanction of their 
highest judicatories, in the blessed work of evange- 
lizing the globe. 

While upon this part of Mr. Mills' history, in jus- 
tice to his memory, as well as the cause he loved, 
there ought to be brought into view one project, that 
he did not accomplish : I mean a tour into South 
America, with a view to explore the country, and 
prepare the way for Missionary enterprise in that 
interesting part of the world. It was his own opinion 
that the United Foreign Missionary Society would 
eventually set on foot a measure of this sort. On the 
practicability and probable utility of such a mission, 
he collected at different times much important infor- 
mation. He used many efforts to engage others in this 
work ; and expressed his determination to enter 
upon it himself. Indeed, he once made overtures of 
this nature to the American Board of Commissioners 
for Foreign Missions. The plan of such a tour was 
once in a very considerable degree matured. He 

alludes to it in the following letter to Mr. E C , 

a beloved brother in the Ministry. 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 103 

"New-York, 3d October, 1816. 

" DEAR SIR, 

" I am happy in having an opportunity to acknow- 
ledge the receipt of your interesting letter, dated 
Hartford, Sept. 19. It appears to me, that the gen- 
tlemen appointed to direct the concerns of the Ovvy- 
hean youth, are competent to manage that business, 
without instructions from the Board of Commission- 
ers. But no doubt it is best as it is. 

" I thank you for suggesting the expediency of an 
exploring Mission to the Rev. Fathers at Hartford, 
and am happy to hear that they approve of the ob- 
ject. I have long thought, that to effect what we 
wish in the best manner, it would be desirable to sail 
in a ship commanded by officers who should have 
the business of exploring and ascertaining the best 
Missionary stations particularly in view during the 
voyage. But perhaps such an opportunity ought not 
to be expected. But I confess I am tired of delays. 
I have for some time past been endeavouring to pass 
the limits of these states and territories. I am ' pes- 
tered in this pin-hole here.' 

" Thus far my experience proves, that the further 
I proceed from home, the greater good God enables 
me to do. By his blessing, most has been effected at 
the most distant points. I do not know that a similar 
result would follow on the Mission we contemplate ; 
but I should like to try it, and alone, if it seems the 
will of heaven. I hope you will lose no time in 
making the inquiries necessary to ascertain whether 
a passage could be obtained on board the ship which 
you refer to in your letter. I should wish to know 



104 NTEM01RS OF THE LATE 

the character of the commodore, or captain; and 
if a Chaplain is wanted, what would be the ser- 
vices expected from one acting in that capacity? 
I shall wish to know at what places the ship -will 
touch during the voyage; and I should particu- 
larly wish you to give me the opinion of my Chris- 
tian friends in the vicinity of Boston, relative to my 
qualifications for the contemplated service. You 
will have opportunity to see the gentlemen belong- 
ing to the Prudential Committee of the Board of Fo- 
reign Missions, and I hope you will converse with them 
on this subject. Were I to engage in this service, I 
should hope a brother might be found who would go 
with me. Perhaps the Lord will incline you to en- 
gage in this work. 

" It is expected that the ship Eagle, commanded 
by Captain Davis, will sail from Boston in a few 
weeks, for the Northwest Coast. The ship will call 
at the Sandwich Islands during the voyage ; but 
there are objections to going in one engaged in the 
Northwest trade. Still a list of inquiries might be 
presented, requesting particular information with 
respect to the state of the islands, and other pla- 
ces where the ship should call. I hope this hint 
will be kept in mind. 

"My dear brother, should I leave this country, and 
you remain here, you must supply my place, or find 
some person who will. I cannot leave the benevo- 
lent plans I have in view, without some one to sec 
them perfected. 

" Yours affectionately, 

"SAMUEL J. MILLS/' 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 105 

It is to be regretted that it was found necessary to 
abandon this enterprise, and it is to be hoped the 
abandonment is not final. The Spanish possessions 
present an extensive field for Missionary labour, and 
are at present unoccupied, except by the Catholics. 
It is the opinion of Humboldt, that the territory 
which the government of Spain claims, even north 
of the Isthmus, contains six millions five hundred 
thousand inhabitants. Since the recent revolution, 
and especially in the province of Venezuela, there 
can be no serious obstacles to the introduction of 
Missionaries into that country ; and certainly none 
at all to a tour, which shall have in view the attain- 
ment of a more perfect knowledge of the true con- 
dition of South America, ascertain what Missionary 
stations may be established, and which shall com- 
mence the distribution of the Bible throughout that 
extensive country. In a very appropriate and elo- 
quent address to the Churches under their care, the 
Managers of the United Foreign Missionary Society 
say — " As soon as the southern forests yield to the 
hand of cultivation, our limits will extend to Mexico ; 
and the whole region of death, from the river Del 
Norte to Cape Horn, will Teach from our.owndoor:" 
and they justly demand—" Who on earth, rather 
than ourselves, are the people to pour the river of 
life through that desolate region ?" — We hope the 
time is not far distant, when two or more men will 
traverse the whole of this dreary wilderness, and 
return with a report that will wake up the American 
Church to a sympathy for the miseries of her perish- 
ing neighbours. The first object of Missionaries to 
O 



100 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

that country would probably be, to visit Old Mexico, 
with liberty to proceed from Mexico, either by the 
eastern or western coast, on toward the southern 
part of the continent. It would be very desirable, 
if they went down the eastern coast, to touch at the 
principal places until they arrived at Buenos- Ayres ; 
thence by land to Lima, St. Iago, endeavouring to 
visit the principal places, until they arrive at Aca- 
pulco, and thence across to Vera Cruz by Mexico. 
If they went down the western coast, they would 
most likely go from Mexico to Acapulco, and then 
pursue the route which has been described, through 
Peru and Chili to Buenos Ayres, and thence up the 
eastern coast to Carthagena. 

Whatever may be the obstacles to such a Mission, 
they are no more than have been surmounted in 
other portions of the earth. What has been accom- 
plished in South America by the United Brethren, 
forms no criterion by which to judge of the success 
of Missionary efforts in the present age of the world, 
and present condition of that community. The trials 
which they experienced are not to be looked for 
again : the scenes of Berbice, Surrinam, Bombay, 
and Parrimaribo, will never probably be acted over 
again while the world stands. Let it not be forgot- 
ten that the question, whether South America shall 
be free, is to be determined by the question whether 
she is to be Christian ? Liberty without godliness, 
is but another name for anarchy or despotism. Let 
philosophers and statesmen argue as they please — 
the religion of the gospel is the rock on which civil 
liberty rests. You have never known a people free 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 107 

without the Bible ; with it, they cannot long be slaves. 
Let not the American Churches forget, that more 
than one quarter of the circumference of the globe 
lying immediately under their eye, is little else than 
an extended dungeon, where forty millions of im- 
mortal beings are in the gall of bitterness and the 
bonds of iniquity. 



10$ MEMOIRS OF THE LATJL 



CHAPTER VII 



HIS RESIDENCE IN NEW-YORK, AND HIS EXERTIONS IN BE 
HALF OF THE POOR AND IGNORANT IN THAT CITY. 



Few men knew better how to gather up the frag- 
ments of time than Mr. Mills. "Wist ye not that I 
must be about my father's business?" appeared in- 
cessantly to be his motto. He was seldom at a loss 
to know how to " fill up life well ;" and it was no 
difficult task to a mind like his, to create opportuni- 
ties of usefulness, where he did not find them ready 
to his hand. While some of his plans were ripening 
for execution, he spent the summer and autumn of 
1816 in the city of New-York, where he devoted 
himself to inquiries into the moral condition of the 
poor, with a particular view to supply them with 
Bibles and Tracts. 

The true condition of our large cities, in respect 
of moral instruction, it is lamentable to state, has 
been little thought of, even by those who, in other 
departments of duty, manifest a commendable 
zeal in promoting the best interests of their fellow 
men. This " New Missionary Field," as it has been 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 109 

justly styled, discloses a picture of pollution and mi- 
sery which we little expected to behold. From an 
interesting document* not long since submitted to 
the public, it appears, that not less than 60,000 per- 
sons in the city of New-York, 18,000 in the town of 
Boston, upwards of 50,000 in the city of Philadel- 
phia, between 30 and 40,000 in Baltimore, and up- 
wards of 10,000 in Charleston, are literally destitute 
of the privileges of the gospel, and in a state of 
sottish ignorance and deep impiety. Upwards of 
700,000 also in London, and 80,000 in Liverpool, are 
in the same deplorable ignorance ; " while in Great 
Britain and on the continent, most other cities are 
in no better, and many of them are in a much worse 
condition." What must be thought of that commu- 
nity, where, in one section, " out of twenty families 
adjoining each other, sixteen are destitute of the 
Bible ; in another, out of one hundred and fifteen 
families, adjoining each other, seventy are destitute ; 
in another, out of thirty-two, twenty-one are desti- 
tute ; and in another, out of thirty, twenty-seven are 
destitute" — and that in this Christian land ? Little 
do we know what heathenism is to be found in our 
most enlightened and privileged cities. Corrobora- 
tive of these remarks, and as indicative of the extent 
and success of Mr. Mills' efforts for the relief of this 
class of people, a few facts will be presented from 
his own journal. 

" June 20. Mr. S and myself called at a house 

on Manhattan Island. The first person we saw was 

* A Report to the Female Missionary Society, for the Poor of New- York 
and its vicinity, published in 1817, by the Rev. Ward Stafford, 



110 MEMOIRS OE THE LATE 

a married woman, about 30 years of age. After a 
few introductory observations, we inquired of her 
whether she had a Bible in her family. 4 A Bible,' said 
she, with an expression of some surprise, ; what do you 
do with the Bible ?' We told her that the Bible was 
the Word of the living God, and ought to be atten- 
tively perused by every one ; that we all needed its in- 
structions, and the consolations which its doctrines 
and precepts were able to give, when received in the 
love of them. Her countenance soon became more 
solemn, and she listened attentively to the serious 
admonition which was given her. We gave her a 
religious Tract, and addressed ourselves to another 
woman who came in. She was 35 or 40 years of 
age. She appeared a sensible woman, and we had 
reason to hope before we left the house that she was 
a pious person. She informed us, that she had en- 
tertained a hope that she was a Christian for more 
than twelve years. Her circumstances had been 
such, that she had not made a public profession of 
religion, though she had often wished for the privi- 
lege of doing so. It appeared that the reason of her 
delaying this duty, had been owing principally to 
the want of evidence with respect to her good estate. 
Her attachments were in favour of the Presbyterian 
Church — the greater part of the time we were con- 
versing with this woman, there was present a young 
lady, who appeared very solemn. We entered into 
conversation with her, and found that for some 
months past she had been the subject of very serious 
impressions, and still continued so. She spoke of 
her guilt as very great, and expressed her fears that 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS". Ill 

there was no mercy for her. She had lately come 
to the island, from a place in Connecticut, where 
there had been a revival of religion. Her case ex- 
cited in us a peculiar interest. We addressed her as 
we thought was proper to address one, whose mind 
was awakened to serious concern by the influences 
of the Holy Spirit. After we left the house, we re- 
marked to each other on the variety in the charac- 
ters of those who resided under the same roof. 

" It seemed that the woman with whom we first 
conversed, had been entirely neglectful of the con- 
cerns of her soul, and chose to continue in that state 

" The second expressed a humble hope that she 
had been born again T and that she belonged to Christ 

" The third seemed to feel herself a guilty con- 
demned sinner, and feared lest she had sinned away 
the day of grace, and must perish for ever. 

" Visited another family. The woman professed 
to belong to the Methodist Church. She said that 
her husband once belonged to the same connexion^ 
but did not at that time belong to any church. While 
we were conversing seriously with the woman, her 
husband came in. Some observations of a religious 
nature were addressed to him. He said he knew all 
about these things. He said he had once been a 
Christian himself, but had fallen from grace, and his 
circumstances were such, that he could not reform at 
that time. He said he knew that he was in the snare 
of the devil, and that if he should then die he should 
be damned, and perish with a greatly aggravated 
condemnation. He remarked, that notwithstanding 
this conviction, which haunted him day and night. 



112 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

he felt no disposition to attempt a reform at that 
time. He said he was far gone in iniquity, and no- 
thing we could say would awake him ; still at times 
he had a hope that he should see better days. During 
our conversation with him, he more thanonce revert- 
ed to his circumstances, as unfavourable to his enter- 
ing again upon a life of piety and devotedness to 
God ; and observed, that if he was in some remote 
solitary situation, he would change his course of con- 
duct, and reform. We expressed to him our surprise, 
if he really believed this to be the fact, that he should 
remain a moment where he then was. We inquired 
of him why he did not flee with his family from the 
place where he then was, in as great haste as if the 
house were on fire over his head. But we could not 
move him. During our conversation with him, we 
gave him to understand, that we did not think he had 
ever experienced religion, and that he had always 
been *the enemy of God. He replied, that " he 
knew not what we could believe, if we might not 
give credit to our own feelings and convictions. No 
one could convince him that he had not previously 
been a Christian." Nothing that we could say seem- 
ed to have much effect upon him. He generally ac- 
knowledged all we said and censured himself severely, 
but seemed determined to remain where he was. 
He appeared to us one of the most hopeless charac- 
ters we had ever seen ; possessed of a certain fear- 
ful looking-for of judgment, and fiery indignation 
which shall devour the adversaries. 

"Called upon some other families. Found two 
women and a man, who had formerly belonged to 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 113 

either Presbyterian or Congregational Churches. 
They were anxious to enjoy the like privileges 
again." 

" July 10, 1816. I have been engaged some weeks 
past, in searching out those poor people in the city 
who are destitute of the sacred Scriptures. The 

Rev. Mr. S d, Mr. H , Mr. C , Mr. W , 

and Mr. L — — f have occasionally accompanied me. 
We find very many destitute of the Bible ; and in 
many families, not an individual can be found who is 
able to read. 

" Generally the people are very ignorant. Ask 
them if they hope they are Christians, they answer 
" yes, they have no doubt of that." Ask them whe- 
ther they have ever been born again — explain to 
them the nature of regeneration, and you will ascer- 
tain they know nothing of the subject. Press upon 
them the necessity of a change of heart, and de- 
scribe their awfully exposed condition — tell them 
thou art the man, and in some instances they appear 
solemn and affected to tears. Where we leave Bi- 
bles with persons of this character, we obtain their 
solemn promise to read them with attention. The 
great mass of these people are fitly represented by 
EzekieFs vision of the dry bones. Come, O breath, 
from the four winds, and breathe upon these slain, 
that they may live ! 

" July 12. Have been conversing with some cap- 
tains of vessels and others, in company with Mr. S- — , 
on the expediency of forming a Marine Bible Society. 
The prospect is favourable. Mr. S— — - and myself 
P 



114 MEMOIRS OP THE LATE 

have supplicated the Throne of Grace for direction 
in this business. 

" July 19. Distributed Bibles in Skinner-street, 

Mr. S in company. We had a number of serious 

conversations with the persons we called on. One 
Irish woman seemed much affected. She acknow- 
ledged she had done nothing but sin against God 
all her days ; and she considered her sins greatly 
aggravated, because committed against great light. 

" July 20. Conversed witfc Dr. F , of South- 
Carolina, on the subject of an Institution for the pur- 
pose of educating the blacks. He is much in favour 
of the contemplated measures. He thinks if the way 
is not at present prepared for the introduction of 
teachers of colour into the Southern States, it is fast- 
ly preparing. It is a common thing for the blacks to 
manifest a great desire to learn to read, and to hear 
the Gospel preached. 

« July 21, Sabbath.— Heard Dr. C , Mr. M , 

and Mr. S . My indisposition rather increases 

than abates. Perhaps the Lord has little more for 
me to do in this world. He has made me an instru- 
ment in his hand of doing some good j but what have 
been the motives which have actuated me, are best 
known to himself. I many times fear I shall yet be 
dashed to pieces, as a vessel in which the Master 
has no pleasure. 

" July 23. Occupied part of the day in giving out 
Bibles. My inquiries were made to-day in First- 
street. Began at No. 1, and left off at 100. Found 
twelve families destitute. 1 called at one house 



RE?. SAMUEl, J. HtLLS. 115 

which had lately been afflicted : the mother had lost 
a young child. It lay a corpse in the room. Her 
feelings were very tender. Upon conversing with 
her, I found that she did not think herself a Christian. 
After conversation, I inquired if she belonged to any 
church? She said she did not, nor had she been 
visited by any Minister during the sickness of her 
child. I proposed praying with her, to which she 
assented. It was a solemn season. 

'• I have lately received a letter from the Rev. Mr. 
Gloucester, of Philadelphia (a man of colour.) He 
states, that the Augustan Hall was opened on the 
first of June, for the purpose of giving the African 
youth a liberal education, at which time five very 
promising youths were received. Others were wait- 
ing to enter the School as soon as support could be 
provided for them. He states, that a few people be- 
longing to his Church, have contributed to support 
these young men the first quarter, hoping that God 
would open the hearts and hands of the friends of 
these poor Africans, to aid in the great and good 
work." 

In this letter to Mr. Mills, Mr. Gloucester says, 
" O my worthy friend to our suffering race, for God's 
sake take up your pen, and ask the public on our 
behalf, if we shall turn away our promising sons from 
school at the close of the quarter, for the want of 
that help which he has put it in their power to give ? 
Or shall we add to their number? May all that 
pray, thy kingdom come, embrace this opportunity in 
imparting their substance to aid this long-forgotten 
people. Please write soon, and advise what shall 



116 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

be done in this matter, which lies very near my 
heart." 

" July 30. Requested Dr. G to write to Dr. 

R , expressing his sentiments on the importance 

of calling the attention of the Managers of the Ameri- 
can Bible Society, to an edition of the Spanish Bible 
for South America. 

"Aug; 1. Distributed Bibles. 

" Ann-. 3. Visited a number of poor families in 
Lombardy, Bancker, and Harman Streets, whom we 
had before supplied with Bibles. Some had read 
them with attention, and I hope with profit, and ap- 
peared to value them highly. Called in the course 
of the day on about twenty families in Cross-street — 
twelve of them destitute of Bibles. 

" Aug. — . Some time since I called at a house in 

street, and inquired of the woman if she had 

a Bible. She said, she had none, nor did she wish 
for one. I conversed with her seriously a little while 
on the importance of having a Bible and reading it 
daily. She observed, it was not necessary forme to 
continue my ' preachment' any longer, for she would 
not receive a Bible. As I was leaving the house, 
her husband came in, and I addressed myself to him. 
He expressed the same sentiments with his wife. 
Both appeared to be determined not to receive the 
Bible. 

" Aug. — . Called upon a sick woman in Market- 
street. She appeared to be inquiring with some 
anxiety what she should do to be saved ? She, how- 
ever, had but very inadequate ideas of her sinful- 
ness, and seemed to think that she was by no means 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 117 

the chief of sinners. I endeavoured to show her 
her lost condition, and point her to Christ as the 
only way of reconciliation with God. 

" Aug. — . Mr. S d and myself called to see the 

sick woman. She appeared to be much more deep- 
ly impressed with a sense of her ruined state without 
an interest in Christ. She said, she could not find 
any rest, but lay awake all the preceding night, pray- 
ing to God that he would have mercy on her soul. 
We entreated her to come to Christ without de- 
lay — to repent of her sins, and exercise faith in 
this Saviour now. We supplied her with a Bible. 
She wished us to pray with her. It was a solemn 
time. 

" Aug. — . Mr. S called on this poor woman, 

and was led to hope she had become a child of God. 

" Aug. — . To-day called on about fifty families on 
the left side of Orange-street. A third part of the 
whole number of families cannot read ! One woman 
said she wanted none of my Bibles, and if I gave her 
one, she would burn it up." 

As this period of Mr. Mills' residence in New- York 
was a season of comparative leisure, it afforded him 
the opportunity of writing a number of letters to his 
particular friends. The following communication 
to the companion of his labours, on the last tour 
to the South and West, the s Rev. Mr. Smith, of 
Natchez, developes much of Mr. Mills' true charac- 
ter. 



118 MEMOIRS OF THE LAtE 

Newark, Jan. 6, 1816. 
" Dear Brother, 

" 1 received your letter, dated October 19th, 
while at Torringford. I have heard nothing from 
you since. I conclude a kind providence has pre- 
served your life, and carried you to the desired ha- 
ven. If so, you will feel, I doubt not, that you have 
more cause than ever to exclaim, Bless the Lord, O 
my soul ! The dangers we have passed together 
ought ever to keep alive in our hearts a spirit of 
gratitude to God. 

" You say in your letter, 4 I go forward with a 
cheerful heart — I hope the Lord is with me.' It is 
always safe trusting in the Lord. We who have ex- 
perienced so much of his kindness, ought surely not 
to be faithless, but believing. You have gone to a 
dark portion of our country ; but we hope it is soon 
to be illuminated by the light of the everlasting Gos- 
pel. Sooner or later it is to be a province of the 
Redeemer's Kingdom ; and the sooner the seed is 
sown, the sooner shall we expect the harvest. Many 
prayers are offered up by the good people you have 
left behind, for your safety and success; therefore be 
strong in the Lord. 

" I have hardly heard from the neighbourhood of 

Boston since you left the city. Mr. E declined 

going on to New-Orleans this season. I should hope 
you would give that vacant people a part of your 
time. Revivals of religion have been experienced 
in a number of towns in Connecticut. In more or 
less the good work still continues. The Holy Spirit 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 119 

seems still to attend the labours of Mr. N in 

S . It is believed one hundred and forty persons 

have become subjects of the work. In Morristown 
and Springfield, in this State, there is much more than 
usual attention. 

" When you write to me, give me all the informa- 
tion you can relative to the Western Country. The 
Report we made out of our Western Tour I have the 
satisfaction to believe is highly approved; so much 
so, that perhaps we may be in danger of becoming 
proud of it — but I hope not. There can be no doubt 
that it has been the means of interesting a great many 
persons of influence and wealth in favour of our des- 
titute country ; and if those in the districts of coun- 
try described do not feel themselves under any obli- 
gations to us now, they will at some future period. 

" You say, you wish for my advice. As to this, I 
have not much to say. The Word of God, your par- 
ticular circumstances, and your past experience, must 
be your guide. I have thought it very desirable that 
you should make it a part of your business to aid in 
the distribution of the Bibles which have been sent 
on to New-Orleans. I received a letter in Novem- 
ber last from Andover, informing me that a pious 
young man, and much devoted to the Missionary 
cause, had gone on to New-Orleans for his health, 
and expected to spend the winter there, and that he 
wished to be employed in the distribution of Bibles 
and Testaments, in hopes of obtaining in this way 
part of his support. Perhaps you will find him of 
service to you in carrying your plans into effect. Do 
not fail to write to him. I hope you will be able to 



120 MEMOIRS OP THE LATE 

obtain some contributions for the Bible Societies, 
and that they will soon begin to purchase Bibles for 
themselves. 

" Might you not, in giving out the Tracts, aid in 
the formation of Tract Societies in some of the most 
important places ? It is very much to be desired 
that the people should acquire the habit of support- 
ing religious and charitable institutions. It seems 
desirable you should return to New-England the 
next summer. You should delay entering on your 
tour as late as circumstances will permit. Your cir- 
vices must be very much needed where you are. 

" Looking into a newspaper lately, I observed a 
paragraph, which stated that a Spanish Minister had 
arrived in New-Orleans from Old Mexico. Would 
it not be a good thing to ascertain from him the state 
of that portion of the country, with a view of sending 
Bibles there, as soon as an opportunity shall pre- 
sent? Do obtain all the information you can. Re- 
member me affectionately to my friends at Natchez. 
Let the good people at New-Orleans know that I 
have not forgotten them. Pray for me, that 1 may 
be directed in the path of duty, and saved from in- 
juring the cause I profess to love. 

" Your affectionate brother in the Lord, 

" SAMUEL J. MILLS. 

" Rev. Daniel Smith." 



SEV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. !2l 



CHAPTER VIII. 



HIS EXERTIONS IN BEHALF OF AFRICA. 



The darling object of Mr. Mills remains yet to be 
made known. It was that, in the prosecution of 
which he found a watery grave. The civil, moral, 
and spiritual degradation of the children of Africa, 
both in this land of civilization and Christianity and 
their own native regions of darkness, lay with conti- 
nual weight upon his mind, and particularly after his 
first visit to the middle and southern states. Those 
to whom he unbosomedjiimself on this subject, could 
easily perceive that he was actuated by a power of 
feeling, and a confidence of faith, and a disinterest- 
edness of desire, that prepared him to compass sea 
and land, to perform any labour, to endure any losses, 
to sustain any sacrifice in the prosecution of his de- 
sign, and, if it were necessary, to die in the service 
of Africa. 

It ought to be Eemembered with deep self-abase- 
ment, that the slave trade has found the mass of its 
abettors among nations nominally christian. Ac- 
cording to the most judicious calculations, Africa has 

Q 



l~2Z MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

been drained annually of one hundred and fifty thou- 
sand of its inhabitants — And let us not repress the 
shameful acknowledgment, " the great receptacles of 
this unhappy race have been the West Indies and 
the United States. A million and a half are sup- 
posed to exist in our own free country !" 

Nothing is too wonderful for an age of won- 
ders. It is no uncommon thing at the present day, 
to find good men and bad, nations and individu- 
als uniting their protestations against the cruelties 
that have for ages been so wantonly inflicted on the 
African race. Since the establishment of the colony 
of Sierra Leone, and the revolution in St. Domingo, 
it can no longer be made a question, that a brighter 
day is rising on this long neglected people. Few 
more ardently than Mr. Mills anticipated this glori- 
ous consummation. All his measures in behalf of 
this depressed race, seem to have been adopted and 
pursued with a kind of supernatural assurance, that 
the time was not far distant when the galling chain* 
of African bondage should be broken, and, under the 
mild reign of the Prince of Peace, Ethiopia should 
be lifted from her degeneracy, and " stretch out her 
hands unto God." 

With the piety of the Christian, and the wisdom of 
the statesman, he early suggested, as one of the 
means of accelerating this work of benevolence, the 
establishment of a School, to qualify young men of 
colour for preachers and teachers to the African race. 
While he was lingering in New-York and New-Jer- 
sey, in the summer and autumn of 1816, he suggest- 
ed and matured this plan. In his itinerations through 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 123 

the states, he had been preparing the minds of many 
gentlemen of influence to favour such an establish- 
ment, and had received from them so much encou- 
ragement, that he was heard to say, that if only a trea- 
sury was opened at the north, it would be filled from 
the slave-holding states. Arrangements were made 
to bring the subject before the Synod of New-York 
and New-Jersey, at their annual meeting in October, 
18 J 6. It was suggested to him to write to his friends 
in the different states on the subject ; and before the 
session of the Synod, a large number of answers had 
been received, containing many interesting facts in 
favour of the establishment. The matter was brought 
before Synod. A committee was appointed to ex- 
amine the subject, some of whom when they went 
out, regarded the project as visionary and impracti- 
cable. But the extracts from these letters of Mr. 
Mills' correspondents overruled every feeling of op- 
position, and secured perfect unanimity in the com- 
mittee, and subsequently in the Synod, who at the 
same session adopted a system of regulations, and 
formed the plan of the School. 

This Institution is now in a course of successful 
operation, under the management of a Board of Di- 
rectors annually appointed by the Synod. In their 
narrative of the state of religion within their bounds 
for the year 1819, the Synod say of this Seminary, 
that " They would gratefully recount the fostering 
mercies of providence upon that Institution of their 
own efforts and prayers, the African School. Since 
the last report, four additional pupils have been ad- 
mitted, making seven in all, whose deportment and 



Ii4 ttfeMpmS OF THE LATE 

proficiency have been such as to warrant the past 
expenditures of th£ir patrons, and animate them to 
present hope and perseverance in this cause of 
Christian philanthropy ; in the consummation of 
which, according to the tenor of prophecy, the desti- 
nies of Africa are to be elevated, and her sons intro- 
duced to the dignities and heirship of the children of 
God." The agency of Mr. Mills in giving existence 
to this Institution, is very affectionately acknowledg- 
ed by the Directors, in their Report to the Synod 
in the year 1818, soon after the tidings of his de- 
cease. The extract is as follows : — « But while the 
Board refer to these encouraging events, they cannot 
pass over one which has filled them and many of the 
friends of Zion with sorrow. They allude to the 
death of him to whom, though his modest and re- 
tiring nature concealed his agency from the world, 
the praise Really belongs of originating the African 
School, as well as several other institutions, which 
rank among the most important and beneficial in our 
country,* who died in the service of Africa. The 
name of Samuel J. Mills ought to be known to the 
churches, and to be had in grateful remembrance, 
while worth is honoured, and humble, disinterested, 
laborious piety is beloved. For a mind teeming 
with plans to extend the Redeemer's kingdom, wholly 
devoted to that single object, and incessantly en- 
gaged to rouse others to the same spirit, they fear 
they shall not soon look upon his like again. When 
Africa has lost such a friend, her helpless and 

*The writer of this article knows that the formation of the American Biblff 
Society may be traced to the suggestions of Mr. Mills. 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 125 

wretched state is more than ever to be pitied. Who 
will catch his falling mantle, and rise up to plead 
the cause of a poor outcast race ?" 
JUSoon after the organization of the Board, Mr. Mills 
accepted an appointment as their agent, to solicit 
donations in the middle states. He had at the same 
time a commission from the Foreign Mission School 
in Connecticut. The following letter to a friend in 
New r -York, was written during his absence on this 
tour. 

"Philadelphia, July 15, 1817. 

i4 DEAR BROTHER, 

" I arrived in this place yesterday from Baltimore. 
I collected for the Mission School, while in the state 
of Virginia, about fifteen hundred dollars. I receiv- 
ed at Baltimore, and two or three other places in 
Maryland, for the African School, about eight hun- 
dred dollars. 

" I wish you to inquire whether Paul Cuffee is in 
New-York. About a week ago his vessel arrived 
there from Port-au-Prince : she is called the brig 
Traveller, Seabury, captain. I wish you to inform 
me immediately if he is in the city. Do not neglect 

this request. Brother C left Baltimore last 

Monday. He obtained at that place between seven 
and eight hundred dollars, for the Cherokee Schools. 
" Your friend and brother, 

"SAMUEL J. MILLS. 

4; R ev , w— S ." 



126 MEMOIRS OP THE LATE 

In the above commucication Mr. Mills mentions & 
name which he never repeated without delight. 
Paul Cuffee was a distinguished ornament to 
the African race. He was a native of one of the 
Elizabeth Islands, near New-Bedford ; and though 
educated in all the obscurity and penury of the great 
body of men of colour, rose to affluence, respecta- 
bility, and distinction, by the energy of a mind that 
was equal to the noblest enterprise, and the benevo- 
lence of a heart singularly devoted to doing good. 
Long will the sympathies of Paul be remembered in 
behalf of degenerate Africa. No cause lay nearer 
his heart than the intellectual, civil, and moral ele- 
vation of that injured people. To advance this 
cause, he undertook, at his own expense, and in his 
own vessel, an expedition to the British settlement at 
Sierra Leone ; he went to England for the purpose 
of suggesting his views to the Managers of the Afri- 
can Institution ; and, after his return, made a second 
voyage to Sierra Leone, carrying with him about 40 
persons of his own colour, with the view of com- 
mencing a settlement on the soil of his forefathers, 
having expended in this enterprise nearly $4000 
from his own private resources. He died at West- 
port in Massachusetts, on the 7th of September, 1817, 
in the 59th year of his age, and in his life and death 
gave good evidence of genuine piety. With Mr. 
Mills' attachment to the African cause, it could not 
be otherwise than that he should be ardently attach- 
ed to Paul. There were few men in whom he plac- 
ed greater confidence, or who had more intimate 
access to the secrets of his bosom in relation to 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 127 

his purposes of benevolence toward the inhabitants 
of Africa. With what earnestness he flew to his bed- 
side, though he was at a distance from him of near- 
ly a hundred miles, that he might have the privi- 
lege of being with him in his last sickness, and ma- 
turing some favoured project for his unhappy coun- 
trymen, will be long remembered. 

No apology is needed for here introducing a com- 
munication of the same date with the last, to a friend 
in Andover, Who had been appointed an Agent of the 
African Board. 

" Philadelphia, July 15th, 1817. 
st My dear friend and brother, 

" I parted with Mr. C — last week at Baltimore. 
He informed me that you had been appointed an 
agent to solicit for the African School. I do not 
know that you could be engaged in the promotion 
of a more important object. There are, as you 
know, more than a million and a half of people of co- 
lour in the United States and Territories, the greater 
part of whom are ignorant and vicious. More or less 
of the slave holders soberly maintain that they have 
no souls ; and we might conclude, that the Christian 
public were of the same opinion, were we to judge 
of the trifling efforts they have made to improve their 
moral and religious character. It has been, and still 
is, the hard lot of multitudes of these people to be 
chained to tasks, and to have their labour required 
of them with stripes, that a man of common feeling 
would weep to see inflicted on a brute. And to com- 
plete the climax of their sufferings, the Church has 



12b MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

withheld the only cup of consolation which could al- 
leviate their sorrows — the hope of heaven, derived 
from the Gospel. It is true, that in the course of 
two or three years past, the religious public have be- 
gun to turn their attention to this class of their suf- 
fering brethren. Sunday Schools have been esta- 
blished to teach them to read their Bibles ; and 
these schools extend from Raleigh, North-Carolina,, 
to Portland, in the District of Maine. Still, compa- 
ratively little is doing, when we consider how long 
our duty has been neglected, and how much remains 
to be done. Hitherto, the Presbyterian and Con- 
gregational Churches have made less exertion in be- 
half of this class of the community than most other 
religious societies. The Methodists have in their 
connexion many men of colour, who are preachers, 
and who in some instances preach to large congre- 
gations. The same may be said of the Baptists. I 
know but of one or two Presbyterian Churches form- 
ed of these people in the United States. The Rev. 
Mr. Gloucester, a very respectable man, and a mem- 
ber of the Presbytery of Philadelphia, was in Albany 
last fall, and was of the opinion that a congregation 
might be formed in that city from among these peo- 
ple, if a proper person could be found to collect 
them. A citizen of that place offered to give him 
fifty dollars a year, as his subscription, if he would 
stay there and use his exertions to form a Church ; 
but no person could be found to supply his place. 
The Board of Managers of the African School have 
thought of requesting Mr. Gloucester to go to Eng- 
land, to make collections for that Institution. But 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS., 129 

it is not likely that a person could be found properly 
qualified to supply his place in America. 

" I collected in the course of the last winter about 
eight hundred dollars for this Seminary. Thifi sum 
was received principally from Baltimore and Wash- 
ington. It was a very unpropitious time to attempt 
collections. I had sometimes to thrust my subscrip- 
tion paper over the heads of half a dozen miserable 
beggars ; and still I was generally successful. I re- 
ceived considerable aid from slave holders. I in- 
formed the persons on whom I called, that the ob- 
ject of the school was to qualify young men of co- 
lour for teachers of schools and preachers of the 
Gospel, in hope of exerting an influence in correct- 
ing the morals and manners of their brethren in our 
cities and large towns ; and also to raise up teachers 
for these people, should an effort be made to settle 
them by themselves, either in this country or abroad. 
Some gave to aid the school as an auxiliary to the 
colonization effort, who would not have given, had 
not that view been presented. I am confident 
that the people of colour now in this country, that is, 
many of them, will be settled by themselves, either 
in this country or abroad. The teachers who may 
be raised up, will promote this object. Whether 
they remain in this country or not, much must be 
done to qualify them for living in society by them* 
selves. 

" I have intimated, that in my opinion, great guilt 

has been incurred by the religioufs public, on account 

of their neglect of this class of the community. This 

guilt has been incurred, not only bv the slave holders, 

R 



130 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE- 

and Christians in the Middle and Southern States, 
but the people of New-England have the neglect of 
their talents and opportunities for benefitting these 
people to answer for. Had Sunday Schools and 
Free Schools been established many years ago, the 
example would have been soon followed here. Had 
teachers of schools and preachers of the Gospel been 
raised up, as is now proposed, they would have found 
a wide field for usefulness. But let us rejoice in 
what has of late been attempted, and endeavour to 
increase exertions in every possible way. Perhaps 
it would be well for you to have the names of some 
of the contributors to the school, that are on my 
book. We should give all religious denominations 
a chance to assist us. I have preached in all the 
pulpits I could gain access to, and stated my object. 
In your sermons or addresses state facts. Facts will 
always produce an effect, at least on pious minds 
You can easily possess yourself of facts, the bare re- 
cital of which will make the heart bleed. If you are 
not already possessed of facts of this character, I can 
furnish you. These facts must be proclaimed in the 
ears of the people, that they may be induced to send 
the hope of the Gospel to the expiring and despairing 
slave, as well as to the debased and miserable free 
black. Teachers of the character we wish to raise 
up, I am informed, are wanted in Natchez and New- 
Orleans, and might probably be greatly useful. It is 
true, there are some parts of the Southern States 
where they could not at present be introduced with 
safety ; but the field is altogether greater than can 



REV. SAMUBL J. MILLS. J 3 J 

be occupied for years, with all our activity and exer- 
tion. I hope to hear from you. 

" Yours affectionately, 

« SAMUEL J. MILLS. 
a Mr. E W H * 

The remark has been frequently made, and has 
been repeated in the preceding pages, that a new 
era in the moral condition of mankind commenced 
about seven-and-twenty years ago. The question 
has been started, " Is there any thing in Providence 
which denotes that the relief and elevation of the 
African race belong to this new order of things* ?" 
The reply has been, unequivocally, there is ; and the 
evidence is truly astonishing. " Precisely at the 
commencement of the new era," says this able 
writer, " this work began on a grand scale in differ- 
ent parts of the world, and has kept pace with the 
other series of events ever since. The new era was 
ushered in by two great occurrences deeply affect- 
ing the negro world, and presaging their deliverance; 
one full of hope to those who desire their salvation : 
the other full of terror to those who oppress them. 
I allude to the establishment of a colony at Sierra 
Leone, and the revolution in St. Domingo. The for- 
mer was intended as a door through which christian^ 
ty and civilization should be conveyed into the heart 
of Africa ; the latter threw upon the world two or- 
ganized and independent states of negroes, a sight 



* Plea for Africa, A Sermon preached before the Syntd of New- York and 
New-Jersey, by Edward D. Griffin, D.D. 



132 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

never before witnessed, and that too by an awful 
eruption in the centre of that part of the world which 
is most-deeply laden with sins against Africa. This 
revolution commenced in 1791 ; the colony of Sierra 
Leone was fully established in 1792. An unsuccess- 
ful beginning had been made five or six years before ; 
but in 1791 a company was incorporated upon new 
and better principles, and in 1792 the colony was 
confirmed by more than a thousand blacks transport- 
ed from Nova-Scotia." 

While these efforts have been silently progressing 
in other parts of the world, America, than whom no 
nation under heaven is so deeply laden with obliga- 
tions to the African race, or who have so many facili- 
ties to accomplish their restoration, I had almost 
said, has been utterly indifferent to the enterprise. 
Some few exertions have been made in New-England, 
and more in the cities of New- York and Philadel- 
phia ; but the public attention had never been awake 
to the important subject, till the formation of the 
American Colonization Society, at the seat of our 
government, in January, 1817. If there was one 
object to which Mr. Mills considered himself chiefly 
devoted, it was the interest and success of this So- 
ciety. For more than two years before his death, 
his thoughts began to be turned toward the forma- 
tion of such a Society. Wherever he went, this ob- 
ject was kept in view; and the hope of doing some- 
thing to promote it, was one of the reasons which in- 
duced him to take the tour of the states. While in 
the southern states, he was collecting facts respect- 
ing the condition of " his poor African brethren," as 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 133 

he used to call them, and with his characteristic dis- 
crimination, conversing with such persons as he found 
prepared to entertain his views. In the western 
states he was endeavouring to arouse the attention 
of the charitable and influential to the importance of 
the object, because he conceived that their weight in 
the councils of the nation, and their pecuniary aid, 
might be afterwards wanted. In Ohio, Indiana, and 
Illinois, he laboured much to procure the grant of 
a township of land, on which a small colony might 
be established, both for the purpose of making the 
experiment, and evincing the utility of such attempts, 
and more particularly, to prepare a number of per- 
sons to take the lead in some more enlarged establish- 
ment west of the Mississippi, er on the coast of Africa ; 
and in the large cities, he was accustomed to con- 
verse much with individuals, and with small assem- 
blies of the most respectable free people of colour, 
to engage them to stand ready to embark in the first 
feasible design that might offer. 

The formation of a Society, with a view to colo- 
nize the free people of colour belonging to the United 
States, is a subject toward which the attention of 
some of the first men in our country has for years 
been directed with painful anxiety. As early as De- 
cember, 1816, the general Assembly of the state of 
Virginia passed a resolution requesting the Governor 
of that state to correspond with the President of the 
United States, for the purpose of obtaining a terri- 
tory upon the coast of Africa, to serve as an asylum 
for such persons of colour as had been, or might be 
emancipated by the laws of that commonwealth. 



134 MEMOIRS OP THE LAXi 

There was a failure in this negotiation, and the sub 
ject, with increased interest and redoubled responsi- 
bility, was thrown back upon the exertions o( indi- 
viduals and associations of men voluntarily combining 
their efforts in this laudable work. Through the 
unwearied assiduity of a number of gentlemen, 
among whom justice requires us to mention the names 
of Elias B. Caldwell, Esq., of the city of Washington, 
and the Rev. Dr. Finley, late of Baskingridge, in the 
state of New-Jersey, the interest which had been felt 
in this enterprise was revived. Toward the close of 
the year I8f8, Mr. Mills was providentially made 
acquainted with the plan, and had an opportu- 
nity of affording it essential service. He left New- 
York the latter part of November, where, acciden- 
tally hearing of the movements at Washington, he 
repaired to that city. He arrived in time to attend a 
meeting, which had been appointed at the house of 
Mr. Caldwell, for the purpose of imploring the Di- 
vine direction, on the evening of the following 
day, when the expediency of forming a Coloni- 
zation Society was to be publicly discussed. That 
meeting he attended, as well as the final meeting on 
the first of January, 1811V when the Colonization 
Society was formed — a joyful day to Mr. Mills, and 
a jubilee to the sons and daughters of neglected 
Africa. 

Soon after the formation of the Society, much 
began to be said publicly in favour of the attempt 
to send the free people of colour to the western 
coast of Africa. That same year the Society pre- 
sented a memorial to Congress, requesting that they 
would take measures to effect this object. This me- 



JREV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 135 

morial was referred to a select committee, who re- 
ported at length and in a very able manner, in favour 
of the views of the Society. Owing to the pressure 
of business, Congress however did not decide on the 
report, but left it to have its salutary influence on the 
public mind, without any immediate legislative inter- 
ference, while the Society felt no small encourage- 
ment to go forward in their benevolent purpose. 

In the commencement of their operations, no small 
degree of embarrassment was felt through want of 
information as to the most eligible places for the 
establishment of a colony. With a view to obviate 
this embarrassment, it was resolved to commission 
persons of suitable qualifications to explore the west- 
ern coast of Africa. This commission, replete as it 
was with responsibility, was put into the hands of 
Mr. Mills. No sooner had he accepted it, than he saw 
the importance of having a colleague to share the 
burden with him in this arduous mission. As the funds 
of the Society would not then allow of this appoint- 
ment, Mr. Mills was employed in the formation of 
Auxiliary Societies in several of the large cities, till 
the Board felt warranted to incur the additional ex- 
pense, and gave Mr. Mills the privilege of selecting 
his own companion on the tour. His thoughts were 
at once directed to a man of kindred spirit, who„ 
to eminent qualifications for the service, added the 
one, that he was known to be the friend of Africa. 
The following letter, addressed to the Rev. Ebenezer 
Burgess, late Professor of Mathematics and Natural 
Philosophy in Burlington College, in the state of Ver- 
mont, as it presents the object of the agency and the 



13G MEMOIRS OF THE EAXE 

character of both these gentlemen in so just a lights 
will be read with interest. 



Philadelphia, July 30, 1817. 
« Brother Burgess, 

" I wrote you last winter from the city of Wash- 
ington. I sent on to you also a pamphlet containing 
an account of exertions made for the purpose of 
colonizing the free people of colour. The Hon. 
Judge Washington is the President of the American 
Colonization Society. Other gentlemen belonging 
to the Board are very respectable characters. It is 
their wish to employ two men as agents, to go to 
England, and thence to Africa, to Sierra Leone, and 
to some other places adjacent to that settlement, for 
the purpose of obtaining information to lay before 
Congress at their next session, or the succeeding one, 
which shall enable the general government to act 
definitely, and with decision, in aid of their object. 
Should the information which may be obtained in 
England and Africa be favourable, they expect that 
Congress will send a national vessel, with the proper 
persons, to Africa, to ascertain what parts of the 
west coast of that continent would be best calcu- 
lated for the free people of colour; and also to make 
purchases of the natives, and open negotiations with 
the European government who now claim territory 
on the coast. The Board of Managers will likewise 
exert all their influence with Congress to put an en- 
tire stop to the slave trade, at least as far as Ameri- 
cans are engaged in this traffic. They wisli their 
agents to obtain for them all the information they 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 137 

can on this subject, both in England and Africa. 
Whatever information shall be obtained, calculated 
to induce our government to take measures to sup- 
press this traffic, will be presented to Congress by 
the Board. The Board have received a letter from 
Thomas Clarkson, (England,) expressing his satis- 
faction with their measures, and recommending the 
country called Sherbro, 50 leagues down the coast 
from Sierra Leone, as a very proper place for a colo- 
ny. It is his opinion that that part of the coast does 
not fall within the limits of any European govern- 
ment, and may be purchased of the natives. He 
states the soil to be rich, the water good, and the 
natives friendly. He further observes, that the na- 
tive tribes are broken into small elective govern- 
ments, and could not, if they were disposed, do any 
great harm to a colony established on a proper scale. 
There are frequent communications between Sierra 
Leone and Sherbro ; and more or less of the settlers 
at the former place speak the language of the natives 
of Sherbro, and are on friendly terms with them. 
Paul Cuffee has been requested by some of the citi- 
zens of Sierra Leone to commence a colony at Sher- 
bro. He only wants the aid of our government to 
enable him to do this. Paul wrote to me last Janu- 
ary, that it was his opinion that more than half of 
the people of colour in Boston and the vicinity would 
embrace the first opportunity to go out to Africa. 
More or less of the leading characters among these 
people in this city and Baltimore, are much pleased 
with the measures which are now taking to provide 
for them and theirs a settlement on the coast of AFri- 
S 



138 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

ca. It is well ascertained that many of the slave- 
holders will release their slaves, if a place can be 
provided where these people may be settled by 
themselves, with a prospect of living comfortably. I 
yesterday received a letter from Mr. Caldwell, Se- 
cretary of the Board at Washington, informing me 
that it was ascertained that our minister at London, 
who is to take the place of Mr. Adams, is a decided 
advocate for the measures proposed by the Board. 
Auxiliary Colonization Societies are forming in dif- 
ferent places ; and it seems as if the nation were 
coming up to aid this effort. It is a noble effort. 

"I have been appointed by the Board as their 
agent in this noble expedition; and I am requested 
by them, if possible, to find a person who will engage 
in this mission with me. Will you go, brother Burgess ? 
It is impossible to tell the precise time the agents 
would be occupied on the mission. They would 
have extensive discretionary powers. They must be 
absent probably one or two years. They would 
leave this country on the first of October next for 
England, on board the vessel which is to carry the 
American minister to London. They would remain 
in England two or three months probably before 
they sail for Africa. Circumstances would deter- 
mine how long they would remain on the coast. 
They would return by the way of England to Ame- 
rica, or directly to America, as should seem expedi- 
ent. All the expenses of the agents would be borne, 
and a suitable compensation for their services. I 
have not stipulated with the Board as to the precise 
sum. 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 139 

" My brother, can we engage in a nobler effort ? 
We go to make freemen of slaves. We go to lay the 
foundation of a free and independent empire on the 
coast of poor degraded Africa. It is confidently be- 
lieved by many of our best and wisest men, that, if 
the plan proposed succeeds, it will ultimately be the 
means of exterminating slavery in our country. It 
will eventually redeem and emancipate a million and 
an half of wretched men. It will transfer to the 
coast of Africa the blessings of religion and civiliza- 
tion ; and Ethiopia will soon stretch out her hands 
unto God. 

"My dear brother, your attention has, in the 
course of Divine Providence, been called to consider 
the debased and degraded state of the descendants 
of Africa. You have already made some exertions 
in their behalf. Is not God calling upon you to do 
still more ? You have some qualifications for the ser- 
vice proposed. Your knowledge of the Spanish 
language may enable you to perform more important 
services. The information you have already ob- 
tained on the subject under consideration, qualifies 
you to be eminently useful on the Mission. On re- 
ceiving this, direct a letter to New- York. I shall be 
in Hartford, Con. by the 15th of August, and in Bos- 
ton by the last Wednesday in August. I shall return 
from Boston to Hartford and Torringfbrd, and there 
probably remain till the middle of September. In 
one of these places let me hear from you, and as 
early as possible. 

" Your affectionate brother, 

" SAMUEL J. MILLS. 

64 Mr. Ebenezer Burgess." 



140 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

This was an appeal which it was difficult for such 
a man as Mr. Burgess to resist. Though the respon- 
sibility of such an agency awakened much solicitude, 
the objects and probable consequences of it awa- 
kened his benevolence and filled his mind ; and he 
was pleased to signify his acceptance of the appoint- 
ment in a letter to Mr. Mills, bearing date the 31st 
of August, 1818. 

The instructions of these gentlemen from the Co- 
lonization Society, were of a very general nature. 
The agents were directed to embark for London; 
upon their arrival there, to obtain all the information 
in their power relative to the West coast of Africa ; 
to obtain letters of introduction to the Governor of 
the Sierra Leone colony, and other gentlemen ; from 
London to proceed to the coast of Africa, and make 
Sierra Leone their principal station while on the 
coast ; to visit the coast as extensively as possible : 
to consult with the natives, and especially the chiefs, 
and ascertain whether an eligible spot can be found, 
which may be purchased at a fair price for the pur- 
poses of the colony. 

Arrangements were made for them to sail in the 
ship Electra, a merchant's vessel bound from Phi- 
ladelphia to London. Just before his embarkation 
Mr. Mills wrote the two following letters to his father ; 

" Philadelphia, Oct. 24, 1817. 

" REV. AND DEAR FATHER, 

" While at New-York, I received a letter from 
the Secretary of the Colonization Society, requesting 
me immediately to repair to the city of Washington. 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 141 

I am now on my way. The letter informed me that 
it was expected I should sail in the Franklin 74, 
which is to convey the American Minister to London, 
and will sail in ten or twelve days. The letter 
stated that the Board would engage Mr. Burgess as 
the second agent, if the funds would permit. A 
meeting is to be held in New-York to-day, for the for- 
mation of a Colonization Society, Auxiliary to the 
American Society, and exertions will be made there 
to aid the Board. Further exertions will be made 
in Philadelphia. I think Mr. Burgess will be ap- 
pointed. If the Board should not have funds at this 
time to engage two agents, I shall use my efforts to 
have him to go out in the Franklin, and remain in 
this country a few weeks myself, until the funds are 
provided, and then improve the first opportunity of 
going to London to meet him. I intend to have a 
companion on the mission, and it is not likely I could 
find a better than Mr. Burgess in the United States. 

" You know, Sir, that for years past, I have felt an 
earnest desire to meliorate the condition of the peo- 
ple of colour in the United States. The hope of 
aiding in some plan to effect this object, was one rea- 
son which induced me to make the tour of the States ; 
and though I returned from the second mission with- 
out seeing any plan in operation, which would give a 
prospect of relief, still I had obtained much useful 
information, which was calculated to enable me to 
judge of future plans which might be presented. 

" When I left home last October for the South, I 
left, as I always have since I have been a Minister of 
the Gospel, with a mind ready to embrace any bene- 



142 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

volent object which should present, and which should 
seem to demand my attention. Though I had cer- 
tain objects particularly in view, still I did not con- 
sider myself obliged to give them my undivided atten- 
tion. When I arrived in New-York last November, 1 
was informed that the subject of colonizing the free 
people of colour was to be agitated at Washington. I 
left New-York as soon as possible, and went on ra- 
pidly through Philadelphia and Baltimore to that 
city. Immediately upon my arrival there, I called 
upon Mr. Elias B. Caldwell, with whom I was ac- 
quainted. He informed me that there would be a 
prayer-meeting at his house that evening, for the 
special purpose of seeking the divine blessing on a 
meeting which was to be held on the evening of the 
succeeding day, to consider the expediency of form- 
ing a Colonization Society. He likewise made me 
acquainted with the plan proposed, which marked 
out the west coast of Africa as the place for the co- 
lony. You will readily conceive that my first im- 
pression was favourable, from the circumstance that 
a prayer meeting preceded the discussion. I attend- 
ed the several meetings, and gave all the aid I could. 
A part of my time was occupied in making collec- 
tions for the African School, writing to Paul Cuflfee 
for information, &c. The latter part of February I 
proposed to certain gentlemen the propriety of col- 
lecting and printing, in a pamphlet form, a view of the 
exertions which had been made, comprising the 
Constitution of the Society, the Memorial to Con- 
gress, &c. They readily acceded to it, and wished 
me to collect the facts, while they engaged it should 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 143 

be printed at the expense of the Society. This was 
done, and the pamphlet was distributed to the mem- 
bers of Congress, and likewise sent to different gen- 
tlemen residing: in the several States and Territories. 
" The latter part of March, partly for the purpose of 
keeping up the excitement which had been produced 
in favour of the colonization plan, I addressed a let- 
ter to the President of the Board of Managers, the 
Hon. Judge Washington, with whom I had a slight 
acquaintance, informing him that I would engage as 
the Agent of the Board, and visit England and Africa, 
should it be thought best to send one out. The 
Board at that time had no funds, and it was not my 
expectation that they could employ two men. This 
offer on my part led to the publishing of an address 
to the people of the United States, requesting the 
assistance of those who were disposed to favour the 
measure. The latter part of March I left Washing- 
ton, and spent about three months in Virginia. On 
my return, I found but little progress had been made 
in collecting funds. The Committee of the Board 
requested me to act as their Agent, at Baltimore, 
Philadelphia, and New-York. They addressed let- 
ters to the Vice-Presidents of the Board residing in 
these cities, urging the formation of Auxiliary Soci- 
eties. A Society has been formed at Baltimore, and 
another at Philadelphia. I suppose one is formed 
this day in New-York. I think the necessary funds 
will be provided. 

" This is a brief outline of the progress of exer- 
tions thus far. We cannot see what will be the re- 
sult of the mission, and we ought not to be over anx- 



144 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

ious. I never engaged in an object before which laid 
me under so vast a responsibility. I have entered 
upon it with no ordinary degree of trembling, though 
I have generally been satisfied with respect to what 
is my duty. The object is, I think, a noble one ; 
and we have reason to hope it will be approved by 
God. On his approbation it must rely for success. 

" You will perceive, dear Sir, how much I need 
the prayers of pious friends, and of the Church. I 
hope you will live many years to pray for your affec- 
tionate son, and for Zion — And may we and those 
we love, love Zion and Zion's King; and then we 
shall be sure to meet again, if not in this world, in a 
better. 

" Your affectionate son, 

« SAMUEL J. MILLS. 

The following is his last communication before he 
left his native land. 

" Philadelphia, November 14, 1817. 

" REVEREND AND DEAR FATHER, 

"Mr. Burgess and myself have engaged our pas- 
sage on board a ship called the Electra, which is to 
sail to-morrow for London. Our baggage is in part 
already on board. We are pleased with the present 
arrangement. We no doubt shall have a more plea- 
sant time on board a private ship than we could ex- 
pect in the Franklin. There are to be only seven 
cabin passengers, and, as far as I can learn, they 
will be agreeable companions. Should the season 
be favourable, we expect to arrive in London in 
about thirty days. 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 145 

" We have letters of introduction to many gentle- 
men of respectability, quite as many as we shall find 
time to deliver. Our prospects are at present fair, 
but we know not what a day may bring forth. God 
moves in a mysterious way, in bringing about his 
great and glorious designs. He sometimes puts our 
faith to a severe test. When his Church are about 
to make some great effort for the promotion of his 
glory and the salvation of men, he not unfrequently 
removes some of the most prominent and apparently 
most important aids, lest vain man should glory in 
himself, and not in the Lord. I hope we shall always 
be prepared to say, the will of the Lord be done. 
I have been much with strangers; but the Lord has 
always provided and raised up friends for me, arid I 
doubt not he will continue to do so. My companion 
and myself engage in this mission with perfect cheer- 
fulness. I hope we feel that unless the Lord is with 
us, all is in vain. If the colonization plan be of God, 
sooner or later it will prosper; if not approved by 
him, let it fail. 

" I shall write from London if I arrive there, and 
shall hope to receive letters from home soon after my 
arrival. I know I shall have an interest in your 
prayers, and those of my brother and sisters. I hope 
to be remembered at the throne of grace by many 
other friends. 

" I am your affectionate son, 

« SAMUEL J. MILLS." 

Mr. Mills left America on the 16th of November, 
J 81 7, and after a short and perilous voyage, arrived 



146 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

in England late in December. " We little thought,'* 
says the afflicted father, " when my son left us to sail 
for Africa, that we should see him no more. We re- 
collect distinctly his apparent composure on the day 
he left us. After he had taken his seat in the car- 
riage, he observed to me, the God that hath preserved 
me from the paw of the bear, alluding to the dangers of 
his former mission, may protect me from the paw of the 
lion. It appeared that he enjoyed peculiar peace of 
mind, committing himself entirely to the guidance 
and protection of the Almighty, in view of the perils 
of the undertaking." — Perils there were ; but he who 
governs the world for the sake of the Church, is not 
unmindful of the dangers of his people. Whatbefel 
them on their voyage will be disclosed by the fol- 
lowing letter: 

" A r ovemucr 26, 1817. Onboard the Elcclra, long. 43 
lat. 41. 

" DEAR AND HONOURED FATHER, 

4i f wrote you last on the 15th, the day we left Phi- 
ladelphia, to embark on board the Electra, which 
was lying at Newcastle. We went on board the 
1 6th, and left the Capes and proceeded to sea the 
same evening. We have a very good ship, and but 
six cabin passengers. Captain Williams is a very 
worthy man ; he does all he can to render our voy- 
age comfortable and pleasant. 

" Since we have recovered from our sea-sickness 
we have attended evening prayers, and the way is 
always open for religious conversation. The cap- 
tain does not permit profane language, excessive 



REV. SAMDEL J. MILLS. 147 

drinking, nor any species of gambling, onboard the 
ship. We have now been at sea ten days, and have 
had an unusually prosperous voyage thus far. We 
hope to be in the English Channel in a little more 
than a week from the present time. The weather 
has not been pleasant since we left the Capes, but 
the wind has generally been favourable. Some days 
have been squally — occasionally a good deal of 
lightning. Once we conceived ourselves in some 
danger from a water spout. This alarming pheno- 
menon, in some instances, does great damage to ves- 
sels at sea. A large quantity of water is raised to a 
considerable height in the atmosphere, and suddenly 
falls on the deck of a ship with such a force as to 
sink her at once. I do not know, however, that ac- 
cidents of this kind occur in so northern a latitude. 

'< I think it a very happy circumstance that we 
took our passage in a private ship ; we have no rea- 
son to think we could have enjoyed the peace and 
quiet on board the Franklin that we do here." 

" December 5th, at sea : Friday evening. This even- 
ing we found soundings, and are in the English Chan- 
nel. Our passage lias been rapid thus far." 

"Dec. llth, on board the Electra : harbour of St. 
Malo, in France. You will not expect to hear of my 
being at this time in France. A wonderful dispen- 
sation of Divine Providence has brought us here. 

" On Sabbath evening, the 6th, we encountered a 
severe gale, and all the ship's crew were ordered on 
deck. The wind continued to blow with great vio- 
lence, until 4 o'clock Monday afternoon, when the 
captain despaired of saving the ship. He ordered 



148 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

her masts to be cut away, and her deck to be clear- 
ed, and informed us that he had done all he could 
for us. He maintained his position on deck with 
surprising composure and fortitude, until about 3 
P. M., though perfectly wet and dashed by almost 
every wave. At our earnest request, he consented to 
step below to exchange his clothes ; but in a mo- 
ment the mate whispered to him to come on deck. 
The breakers were seen directly astern. We came 
near a ledge of rocks, the sea dashing against them 
with great violence, and the foaming surf rising far 
above their summit, while the ship was all the while 
drifting directly towards the ledge. The captain 
was heard to say, "We are gone for this world!" 
Utterly despairing of safety on board the ship, he 
took his two sons, one about 14, and the other about 
12 years of age, together with one of the most active 
sailors, stepped into the boat astern, cut the cord- 
age, and she fell off In her fall the boat overset, and 
the youngest son was washed away, while the others 
adhered to the keel. The next sea righted the boat, 
half filled with water, and three succeeded in getting 
into it. We traced them as the boat rose on the 
summit of a few receding waves, and saw them no 
more ! — The ship was driving directly towards a line 
of rocks, which extended both ways further than the 
eye could then distinguish, and dashed the waves 
like clouds into the air. Although Mr. B. had 
scarcely been on deck the whole day, yet in this 
crisis, when all was consternation, and death was 
believed to be our inevitable destiny within a few 
minutes, he went upon deck to compose the minds of 



REV. SAMBEL J. MILLS. 149 

our shipmates, who crowded around him to be com- 
mended to the mercy of God. At the same time, a 
few fellow-passengers were kneeling in fervent prajer 
in the cabin. As we approached the rocks within a 
a few rods, contrary to all expectation, a strong cur- 
rent carried the ship along in deeper water toward 
the right hand of the reef. Immediately the mate 
ordered the rudder to be put on the starboard side, 
and the ship wore away and sailed some distance 
nearly in a line parallel to the rocks, and then cross- 
ed at the western extremity, just grazing on the shoal 
of sand! All exclaimed, ' It is the work of God!' 

" Mondy Night, the storm still raging, was a dark 
and gloomy night, as you will readily conclude. 

" Tuesday Morning, the storm abated. Our masts, 
sails, shrouds, and anchors were gone, though we 
found the hull of the ship sound, and all hands in 
usual health. 

" Tuesday, 12 o'clock, we discovered land, which we 
thought to be the island of Guernsey. The ship 
continued with partial sails, to be in some* degree 
under our direction. At 4 o'clock, P. M. we disco- 
vered land in another directiou, which could more 
readily be gained as the wind then was ; but as it 
was near night, and we were unacquainted with the 
coast, we concluded, if possible, to lie to, and at- 
tempt to gain land in the morning, which was ten or 
fifteen miles distant. We then had twenty-four fa- 
thoms of water. We had previously lost both our 
anchors, during the gale. The next morning we 
found ourselves but a few miles from our position the 
evening before, and within a short distance of land., 



150 MEMOIRS OP THE LATE 

and the weather pleasant. By means of the chart, 
we concluded the land in sight was the coast of 
France, and that we were near St. Malo. By eight 
o'clock in the morning, we discovered a number of 
boats coming off to our aid. By twelve o'clock we 
received a pilot from the harbour of St. Malo ; and 
at five o'clock, P. M. were safe in the harbour. 

" Wednesday, loth. We are all well, and have not 
suffered any loss of property. You will adore the 
distinguishing goodness of God in my preservation, 
in that of my companion, and the rest who were pre- 
served with us in the ship. I shall hope to write to you 
again soon, and give you a more particular account. 

« S. J. M." 

" Harbour of St. Malo, December 11, 1817. 

i; REV. AND DEAR FATHER, 

" After our severe trials, which 1 have briefly 
related, you will rejoice with me, when you contem- 
plate my present quiet, and as I consider, safe situa- 
tion, 'rtie sun shines out and gives a pleasant view 
of the surrounding country. The city of St. Malo is 
not more than a quarter of a mile from the ship. 
This city contains ten or twelve thousand inhabi- 
tants. It is a kind of citadel, surrounded with a high 
wall, built of stone. The buildings are of stone, ge- 
nerally of alight colour; and from our place of ob- 
servation the city presents a very antique appear- 
ance. 

" We shall be detained in the ship to-day, and 
probably longer. We must undergo a quarantine: 
but as we have no sickness, we earnestly hope to be 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 151 

delivered from our prison soon. Our cabin was so 
deluged with water during the gale, that it continues 
very damp. Our beds and bedding have been wet, 
and the weather is cold and chilling, though we have 
a part of the day a fair sky and the shining of the 
sun. 

" I hope, my dear Sir, that by the late dispensa- 
tion of God's providence, I shall learn submission to 
the divine will, and more entire devotedness to God. 
My life, which has been in a signal manner preserv- 
ed, should surely be consecrated to his service. To 
the present time 1 have not dared to attempt a parti- 
cular account of the scenes which I have passed 
through since the last Sabbath evening. The scene 
is so deeply settled in my soul as not to be eradi- 
cated while I live. O God, I thank thee for my pre- 
servation, and that of my dear companion, and our 
other friends rescued from the devouring flood. 
While we lament the loss of some of our number, 
we know that though ' clouds and darkness are 
round about Him, justice and judgment are the habi- 
tation of his throne.' 

' He moves In a mysterious way his wonders to perform — 
He plants his footsteps on the sea, and rides upon the 6torra.' 

Ah, yes ; ' he rides upon the storm' — he follows with 
his unerring eye, and sustains with his almighty hand 
the weary and the tempest-tossed. Verily, if the 
Lord had not been on our side, the proud waves had 
gone over our souls. O that men would praise the 
Lord for his goodness, for his wonderful works to the 
children of men ! Ye that £ro down to the sea ia 



152 MEMOIRS Oi>' THE LATE 

ships, that do business in great waters, praise ye the 
Lord. O that men would praise the Lord for his 
goodness ! In whatever condition we may be ; 
whether on the land or on the sea — whether among 
friends or strangers; every moment we experience 
his preserving care and kindness ; — but when he 
brings us up from among the dead — from the bowels 
of the ocean, and permits us to labour yet a little 
longer in promoting the precious kingdom of his 
dear Son ; — how great, how immense are our obliga- 
tions to live to him alone ! 

" Your affectionate son, 

« SAMUEL J. MILLS." 

After the delay of six days at St. Malo, Messrs, 
Mills and Burgess proceeded by land to Havre-de- 
Grace, and on the same evening took passage in 
a regular packet for England, in twenty-four 
hours arrived at South Hampton, and the next 
morning entered London. Early after their arri- 
val, they presented their letters to Zachary Ma- 
caulay, Esq. formerly Governor of Sierra Leone ; to 
the Rev. Messrs. Pratt and Bickersteth, Secretaries 
of the Church Missionary Society, who were partial- 
ly informed as to the designs of the Colonization So- 
ciety and the nature of the embassy, and gave 
them many expressions of their confidence. Mr. 
Wilberforce also received them with great cordi- 
ality, and perused their letters and commission 
with deep sensibility and high approbation. — 
The Rev. Mr. Owen, the Secretary of the British 
and Foreign Bible Society, and the Rev. Mr. Hen- 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 153 

derson, the Agent of that Society in Russia, were 
providentially present at this interview ; and there 
was an enthusiastic reciprocity of feeling, which is 
not often witnessed or experienced. Though all 
were communicative, yet the father and patron in the 
company was all speech, action, thought, and bene- 
volence. Mr. Wilberforce kindly offered his ser- 
vices to introduce the gentlemen to Lords Bathurst 
and Gambier, and to prepare the way for their intro- 
duction to his Royal Highness the Duke of Glouces- 
ter, the patron of the African Institution. His Royal 
Highness received them with all condescension, and 
showed himself much gratified with the object of the 
American Society. Lord Bathurst, Secretary of 
State for the Colonies, cast his eye over their com- 
mission, and promptly offered to give them letters to 
the Governor of Sierra Leone, and other officers, on 
the coast. Lord Gambier expressed a deep interest 
in the embassy ; called on the gentlemen at their 
own lodgings, and politely proffered any services in 
his power to promote the views of the mission. No 
narrow views, no political prejudices, no supreme 
regard to national or personal aggrandizement, pre- 
vented the friends of humanity in England from lis- 
tening to the nature of the embassy, interposing their 
influence in favour of this benevolent object, and 
affording the agents every facility and all reasonable 
assistance in the prosecution of their purpose. 

After adjusting all their concerns in England, they 
embarked for Africa on the 2d of Feb. 1818. Some 
of the incidents of this voyage are stated in the fol- 
U 



154 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

lowing letter to his only sister. It is the last he ever 
wrote. 

" On board the ship Mary, February 26, 1818. 
" On the 3d of February we embarked on board 
the ship Mary, for Sierra Leone, then lying ofFGraves- 
end. We were then in hopes that we should arrive 
on the African coast in eighteen or twenty days ; but 
in this expectation we have been greatly disappoint- 
ed. For some days after we left Gravesend we had 
very light breezes, and progressed but slowly. Soon 
after we were out of the English Channel, we began 
to experience contrary winds, and during ten or 
twelve days encountered a number of gales, the wind 
almost uniformly against us. It is now the 26th of 
February, the time in which we calculated to have 
been on the African coast, had the winds been fa- 
vourable ; and yet we are not further distant from 
London than what is often attained in five or six 
days. For eight or ten days preceding the present 
time, we have been obstructed by adverse winds — 
tossed about in the Bay of Biscay — some of the time 
in sight of the Spanish coast. Last evening the wind 
came round from the southwest to the northwest, 
and we are now proceeding prosperously on our 
voyage. Although we have experienced this delay, 
yet we have passed most of our time pleasantly, and 
I hope profitably, since we have been on board. We 
have a very good ship; our accommodations are 
such as to render us very comfortable, and the offi- 
cers of the ship are kind and skilful men. Thus far 
the Lord hath dealt with us in mercy. His hand hath 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 15.5 

been stretched forth for our preservation, and we 
hope we shall be able to put our trust in him for the 
future. Myself and companion are aware that we 
have embarked on a mission attended with much 
hazard of our lives. We conceive the future dan- 
ger to arise principally from the climate of the coun- 
try to which we are going. Should we be detained 
on the African coast, this danger will be increased 
by our late arrival there. The most favourable 
season for Europeans or Americans to visit the west- 
ern coast of Africa, is in the winter. We now hope 
to arrive on the coast by the 1 5th of March. Could 
we have reached there two or three months earlier, 
we should have esteemed ourselves highly fortunate. 
Circumstanced, however, as we are, we are not with- 
out hopes, that the object of our mission may be 
effected without any very considerable delay, and we 
thus be enabled to leave at least soon after the com- 
mencement of the rainy season. But we do not feel 
that we ought to be greatly anxious in our present 
situation. We have used our best efforts, both be- 
fore and since our leaving the United States, to arrive 
on the coast at the earliest period possible. Whe- 
ther I am to live or to die while engaged in this 
mission, God only knows : but one thing we know, 
and in this we will rejoice, Ethiopia shall soon 
stretch forth her hands unto God. The time will 
come, when the barbarous tribes of Africa shall wor- 
ship Jesus as King in Zion — The time will come, 
when her children, now under oppression and in 
bondage, shall become the freemen of the Lord. — 
And should I die in Africa, and not again visit the 



15C MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

land of my nativity, still it would be great consola- 
tion to my dear friends, might they hope, as did Mr. 
Newell in another case, " that my bones had taken 
possession of the promised land, and would rest in 
the glorious hope of the final and universal triumph 
of Jesus over the god of this world." The respon- 
sibility of my station at this time, I consider to be 
vast, far beyond any thing that has been ever before 
attached to my situation. But I hope I did not en- 
gage in it rashly — certainly not before 1 felt a full 
conviction that the contemplated measures would be 
approved of God. By this manner of expression, I 
do not intend to express my entire confidence that 
precisely the measures contemplated will be suc- 
ceeded at once. " God moves in a mysterious way." 
But this I believe, that the agitation of the subject 
now under consideration, will eventuate in the most 
happy results. If an evil exists in a community, a 
remedy must be sought, especially if it be an evil 
generally and necessarily increasing in its unhappy 
effects. As long as no exertions are made to redress 
the grievance, the case must become every day 
more hopeless. 

" As the unhappy state of the free people of co- 
lour, as well as that of the slaves, had long occupied 
my thoughts, it was with peculiar pleasure that on 
my arrival at Washington, in December, 18i7, I 
found the subject engrossing public attention: not 
that I ever supposed that a million and an half of 
men, or even a considerable proportion of that num- 
ber, would be at the present time particularly bene- 
fitted by this discussion — or that even any more than 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 157 

comparatively a very small part of the free people of 
colour could at present, or very soon, be greatly be- 
nefitted by the measures proposed. But I consider- 
ed a movement, or even a disposition to agitate the 
subject, as a ray of light breaking through a dark 
cloud, and as the precursor of another and another. 
I felt it my duty, therefore, to give the design all the 
aid I could. 

" I felt the more constrained to do this, as I per- 
ceived after the formation of the Colonization So- 
ciety, that there was danger that the interest which 
had been excited would subside, and things revert 
to their former state. The sending agents to Africa 
would help to keep the subject alive in the public 
mind, and as the impulse seemed evidently to be be- 
nevolent, there was a prospect that happy conse- 
quences would ensue could that impulse be kept up. 

"Beside, a consideration of the state of the free 
people of colour, might lead to measures calculated 
to improve their condition at home, if a place could 
not be provided for them abroad. It might lead to 
measures to restrain the practice of kidnapping, and 
even for improving the state of the slaves ; and lead 
eventually, perhaps, to the emancipation of many of 
the latter class. If, by pursuing the object now in 
view, a few of the free blacks of good character 
could be settled in any part of the African coast, they 
might be the means of introducing civilization and 
religion among the barbarous nations already there. 
Their settlement might increase gradually; and 
some might, in a suitable time, go out from that set- 
tlement and form others, and prove the occasion of 



158 MEMOIRS OP THE LATE 

great good. These, and many other like views, 
which I had taken of the subject, induced me to un- 
dertake the arduous business, and to act as agent for 
the Society. We have great hopes the plan will suc- 
ceed. God has protected us thus far, and we hope 
he will return us again to our friends. Farewell." 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 169 



CHAPTER IX. 



HIS JOURNAL AS AGENT OF THE COLONIZATION SOCIETY, 



A pleasant passage of thirty days brought them 
to the coast of Africa on the 12th of March. The 
events which occurred from this date will better ap- 
pear from the journal of Mr. Mills while in that 
country. The preparation of this document was 
the last service he was permitted to perform. It is 
in itself so excellent, and is in so few hands, that 
the reader will expect somewhat copious extracts. 

" Ship Mary, off Cope de Verde, 

Thursday, 1 2th March, 1 8 1 8. 
" We left London on the 2d February, and on the 
7th sailed from the Downs. For eighteen days we 
encountered head winds and strong gales, and made 
slow progress. On the 25th we had a distinct view 
of Cape Finisterre, in Spain. On the 3d of March 
we passed Madeira, and, on the 6th, Palma, and oth- 
er Canary islands. We expect to see Cape Verde 
to day, and to anchor in the river Gambia to-mor- 
row. 



160 MEMOIRS OP THE LATE 

" While on the voyage we have been chiefly em- 
ployed in reading books which treat of the people, 
climate, soil, and productions of Africa. 

" At 4 p. m. we exulted at the sight of Africa, and 
began to draw, with our pencils, imperfect sketches 
of the coast, the eminences, trees, &c. Cape Verde 
is high, open to the sea-breeze, and verdant in ap- 
pearance. The two eminences are called Mamelles ; 
the cape terminates with islands of rocks. 

" The mouth of the Senegal is about 100 miles 
northeast of Cape Verde. The island St. Louis, be- 
longing to the French, lies nine miles up the Sene- 
gal, and has a mixed population of five or six thou- 
sand. It is valuable as a military and commercial 
station, to command the trade of that great river. 

" As we passed south of the Cape, Goree presented 
itself to view. This island, which belongs to the 
French, is little better than a barren rock, about 
three-fourths of a mile in circumference, with a po- 
pulation of four or five thousand. We saw the ves- 
sels in the harbour, and the flag at the fort. It is a 
place of resort for European invalids, while on the 
coast. 

" Gambia, Friday, 1 3th March. 

" Early this morning we began to enter the noble 
Gambia, between Cape St. Mary's and Banyan Point 
on the right, and Sanguomar, the Bird Islands, and 
Barra Point, on the left. The bay is 12 or 15 miles 
wide, and the mouth of the river between Barra and 
Banyan Points is six miles wide. The weather is 
very pleasant, the thermometer at 68 degrees, and 
the sun obscured by a hazy atmosphere. 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 16|. 

"At 12 a. m. we anchored near the village St. 
Mary's, situated on Banyan Point. It is an infant 
settlement, commenced only two years ago. The 
governor's house, the barracks, and a few other 
houses, are tolerably well built ; most of the others 
are constructed of very slender materials, just suffi- 
cient to afford a shade from the sun, and a shelter 
from the dews and rains. The people were cheer- 
ful, and generally employed in some kind of labour. 
Some were unlading goods ; some burning shells for 
lime ; and some at work in the carpenters' and 
smiths' shops. We stood some time to see a compa- 
ny of soldiers go through the manual exercise. 
They were mostly Africans, above the ordinary sta- 
ture, well formed, and neatly dressed. They ap- 
peared to be quite expert and intelligent. The mi- 
litary force of the place is about 100 men. A few 
pieces of cannon, mostly dismounted, are arranged 
along the beach. There is no fort or block-house. 
Notwithstanding the exposed state of the settlement, 
there is no fear of assault from the native tribes. 
The number of Europeans is about thirty, and the 
population of the village is already seven or eight 
hundred. Trade is the soul of the colony : this will 
increase annually, as the trade of the whole river 
will concentrate here. The spot does not invite to 
agriculture, and there are none in the settlement 
whose interest and dispositions incline them to it. 
The officers attend to the civil order and safety of 
the colony ; the merchants hope to amass a fortune 
and return home. There is, as yet, no attention paid 
to literary or moral instruction ; hence, the internal 
X 



162 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

improvement of the place will be very slow, unless 
some humane society afford their aid. 

44 Gambia, Saturday, I ith March. 

44 We made our respects to the commandant, and 
became acquainted with most of the Europeans here. 
They gave us several facts respecting the slave- 
trade, which is now renewed by the French, at the 
Senegal and Goree, to a great extent. Some hun- 
dreds of slaves have been smuggled away in canoes 
and small vessels, by night, even from this river and 
the parts adjacent, within a few months. 

44 We walked out from the settlement two or three 
miles. Most of this space, overgrown with wild grass, 
resembled a prairie of Illinois or Missouri. The herds 
of cattle, which abound in this vicinity, become very 
tolerable beef by feeding on grass alone. We saw 
marshy spots, where the tide had some time flowed, 
encrusted over with salt. We measured an Adanso- 
nia, (monkey-bread tree,) which was 40 feet in cir- 
cumference. 

44 This settlement claims only a small tract of land, 
for the use of which there is an annual allowance of 
a small parcel of goods to the king of Combo. This 
man is well spoken of, and is said to be averse to the 
slave-trade, which cannot be said of many of the na- 
tive kings. This is a noble river, and flows through 
a luxuriant country. 

44 Gambia, Monday, 1 6th March, 1818. 
• 4 We embarked in the brig Success for Sierra Le- 
one, leaving the Mary to unlade a part of her cargo. 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 163 

W« hope to arrive there in t four or five days. It 
would have been very pleasing to us to have gone up 
the Gambia a few hundred miles. But our time is 
invaluable to us before the rains, and we hasten to 
that part of the coast which our instructions require 
us to survey. 

" At St. Mary's we saw Capt. Lloyd, a friend of 
the lamented Park. Another interesting person was 
Thomas Joiner, a native African. He was a son of a 
prince of some distinction, who lived about six hun- 
dred miles up this river. When a boy, he was kid- 
napped and sold in the West Indies. He was after- 
wards redeemed by an English captain, who knew 
his father. He was well educated in England, and 
restored to his country. He is a man of good cha- 
racter and habits, and has acquired property and in- 
fluence. He has just returned from England, where 
he left two sons for an education. He says that he 
shall buy a brig the next year to import his own 
goods. Will not some of our American people of 
colour be fired by this example? They might fit 
out vessels to trade to this country, which would en- 
able them to ascertain its valuable productions, and 
to survey parts of the coast. Such an intercourse 
they would find much to their advantage. This will 
most naturally lead to settlements in this country. 

" The more we learn of Africa, the more confident 
we are that the plan of the American Colonization 
Society will eventually succeed. We obtain increas- 
ing proofs of the fertility of the soil, and ascertain a 
greater variety of the productions of the country. If 
the slave trade, that mother of abominations and 



164 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

source of woes unutterable, can be annihilated, Africa 
will revive and assume a respectable rank among 
the nations of the earth. 

« Sierra Leone, Sabbath, 22d March, 1 818. 

" At 9 a. m. we are sailing into Sierra Leone river, 
which is about ten or twelve miles wide. The moun- 
tains rise in irregular ridges and peaks, one beyond 
another, and present a grand and verdant appear- 
ance. 

"At 11 a. m. boats and canoes came to us from the 
town. We anchored below to wait for the next tide. 
The town has the appearance of a neat and pleasant 
village. For health and commerce, its local situa- 
tion is admirable. It is too hard and hilly for agri- 
culture. 

" Several villages are in sight. The church on 
Leicester Mountain is in full view, and aids us much 
in our devotional thoughts on this sacred day. 

" The altars on these mountains, which the na- 
tives had dedicated to devils, are falling before the? 
temples of the living God, like the image of Dagon 
before the Ark. The time is coming when the dwell- 
ers in these vales and on these mountains will sing 
hosannas to the Son of David. Distant tribes will 
learn their song. « Ethiopia shall stretch forth the 
hand unto God and worship.' 

" Sierra Leone, Monday, 23d March. 
" We are sorry to learn that Gov. Macarthy is ab- 
sent on a visit to the Gambia. We made our respects 
to the commandant, chief justice Fitzgerald, and the 



REV. SAMUKL J. MILLS. 1435 

council at the government house. We presented 
Lord Bathurst's letter. They said in obedience to 
his Lordship's instructions, it would give them plea- 
sure to take us to different settlements in the colony, 
to show us the schools, and to render us any assist- 
ance in the objects of our embassy. We were grate- 
ful, as we should be, and saw the wisdom of our 
coming by the way of England. We delivered our 
letters in the colony. Many of the people of co- 
lour were joyful to see us. The death of captain 
Cuffee is deeply lamented. 

"Sierra Leone, Thursday, 26th March, 1818. 

"We visited the schools in Freetown. In the male 
school were about 200 neat, active, intelligent boys, 
divided into eight classes, under the superintendance 
of Mr. Horton, whose perseverance and fidelity are 
entitled to high commendation. We saw the writing 
of the boys, and heard them read and spell. In the 
female school were about 100 neatly dressed little 
girls, many of whom could read and sew. These 
schools would do no dishonour to an English or Ameri- 
can village. There was not a white child in either 
of them. I believe schools of white children seldom 
give fairer proofs of good improvement. 

" The number in all the schools in the colony, in- 
cluding some adults, does not fall much short of two 
thousand. This is about one-sixth part of the whole 
population. 

" Sierra Leone, Friday, 27th March, 1818. 
«* In the evening we met the principal members of 



166 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

the Friendly Society. This Society was instituted 
among the colonists at the suggestion of the late Paul 
CufFee. John Kizell is the president. We made a 
full statement of our object. All appeared to be 
much gratified. It was not the first notice which 
they had of our design, as we brought many letters 
from their brethren in Boston and New- York. It 
was their opinion that wherever the colony might be 
formed, it was not expedient to request a large tract 
of land at first, as the kings might be alarmed lest 
we should take their country from them. If we can 
gain footing in an eligible place, there will not be 
much difficulty in obtaining additional grants here- 
after as the land may be wanted. One observed, 
that if a man of great wealth should come and wish 
to buy one of our houses, we might sell it to him ; 
but if he should wish to buy all Freetown, an alarm 
would be made at once. 

" Some of the kings have a suspicion lest those 
whom they have sold to slave traders should return 
and revenge on them their wrongs. This fear would 
be increased if the territory desired was of great 
extent. One man who was sold from the Sherbro 
nearly thirty years ago, has lately returned. He 
openly asserted, that if any person should take any 
of his family and sell them, he would kill that man 
without the least hesitation. 

"We informed the meeting of our design to go 
down the coast to Sherbro, and wished to know whe- 
ther they would recommend any of their number 
who might go with us as interpreters and advisers 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 167 

It was understood that Mr. Kizell and Mr. Martin 
would accompany us. 

" Before we parted, we addressed our prayers to 
God ; to whom the honour and glory of this great 
and benevolent enterprise will belong, if it is carried 
into effect. 

" Saturday, 2Sth March, 1818. 
•' Monday we expect to begin our tour down the 
coast, and have been much occupied to-day in mak- 
ing preparations. We have engaged a sloop of 10 
or 15 tons, with a captain, five men and a boy, all 
Africans, at six dollars per day, they finding their 
own provisions. Mr. B. and myself, with Messrs. 
Kizell, Martin, and Anderson, our pilot, complete 
our number. We have laid in some provisions, cal- 
culating on an absence of three or four weeks, and 
have taken some goods with which to purchase ad- 
ditional provisions, and to make the necessary pre- 
sents to the kings and headmen, on whom we may 
call. 

"Sabbath, 29th March, 1818. 
" Setting out at six o'clock in the morning, in com- 
pany with several gentlemen, we rode to attend pub- 
lic worship at Regent's Town and the Christian In- 
stitution. The Christian Institution is a large school 
for the captured children, established by the Church 
Missionary Society, and stands on Leicester moun- 
tain, three miles from Freetown. This Institution 
accommodates about 200 children of both sexes, 
who are mostly named and supported by individual 



168 MBMOIRS UK THE LATE 

benefactors in England. These are children once 
destined to foreign slavery, now fed, clothed, govern- 
ed, and carefully taught in the Christian religion. — 
Assembled in the church to worship God, they are a 
spectacle of grateful admiration; and their state 
happily exemplifies the divine origin and holy princi- 
ples of the religion in which they are taught. Re- 
gent's Town lies in a valley, with a fine brook run- 
ning through it. Some hundreds of acres are clear- 
ed by the people. It has the appearance of a new 
and nourishing settlement. The wilderness buds 
and blossoms like the rose. Here we saw two hun- 
dred children in the schools. On the Sabbath more 
than 1000 of the children and people were present 
in the church, neatly dressed, sober, attentive to the 
reading of the word of God, and uniting their voices 
to sing his praise. 

" Monday, 30th March, 1818. 
" A part of the day has been occupied in taking 
our departure for our tour down the coast. About 
3 p. m. we made sail and beat our way down to Cape 
Sierra Leone, which we passed before night. As 
our African captain is afraid of damage to the ship 
by running in the night, we came to anchor a few 
miles from the Cape. The high ridges of the moun- 
tains present a pleasing prospect, and the more so 
as we know that hosannas are sung to Zion's King 
upon their very summit. So God has kindly order- 
ed : the chain is broken, and the captive slave is 
free. 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 169 

" Plantain Islands, Tuesday, 31^ March. 

* ; This morning early we were in sight of the Ba- 
nanas. They afford a handsome prospect. We 
propose to call on Thomas Caulker, the head man 
of the islands, who is understood to have influence 
with Somano, and other kings in Sherbro. 

"At 9 a. m. we anchored off the Bananas, and 
went to pay our respects to Caulker. He met us at 
the landing, and invited us to his house. After we 
had conversed together some time, and walked about 
the town, we took our seats in a spacious room, fur- 
nished with chairs, tables, &c. Mr. K. presented 
Mr. C. a few bars of tobacco and powder, and stat- 
ed to him our character, and the objects of our visit 
to Africa. He said that we had been sent by the 
friends of Africans in America, to find a place where 
a colony might be formed to which the descendants 
of Africans now in America might resort ; and as 
we were going down to see king Sherbro, we wished 
to consult with him too, as we knew that he had con- 
siderable influence with those on whom we were to 
call. He said our designs was like Paul Cuffee's, 
whom Mr. C. had known. I then observed that he 
knew r how the people had been carried from this 
country some hundred years past. Many of their 
descendants were now free. Some had already re- 
turned to this country : others wished to return if a 
o-ood place could be found for a colony, and the 
kings favoured the plan. Caulker, who appears to 
be a sensible man, said, he was pleased with our ob- 
ject, and wished we might succeed. He thought it 
would be a very good thing for this country, if a cq- 
Y 



170 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

lony could be formed at Sherbro. He said a settle- 
ment might be formed as we proposed, on the Cama- 
ranca river, which he claimed as his territory ; but that 
large vessels could not pass the bar of the river. 
We said that on some accounts a settlement further 
down the coast would be preferred, as the colony of 
Sierra Leone claimed the north bank of the Cama- 
ranca. He said he would send his son and nephew with 
us to the Plantains, and to Sherbro, to tell his desire 
to favour us, and his wish that they would do the 
same. He charged the young men to tell the kings 
our object was a good one. 

"We left the Bananas at 12, and arrived at the Plan- 
tains at 3 p. m, a distance of twenty miles. George 
Caulker, head man of the Plantains, is a nephew of 
Thomas Caulker of the Bananas, and has spent six 
or seven years in England, for education. As the 
surf ran too high for our small boat, we made a sig- 
nal for a canoe to take us on shore. It was soon 
along side, paddled by six men. 

4 * The head man received us in a friendly manner, 
and invited us into his house, which was a very con- 
venient building. We laid before him a small pre- 
sent, and made known the object of our visit. He 
expressed a fear that the colony would hereafter 
claim more territory than it ought. Sierra Leone had 
now become powerful, and had already taken a con- 
siderable extent of territory under their direction. 
He said the kings would have less objection to an 
American colony if the people of colour were to go- 
vern the colony themselves. They are afraid that 
white men will take their country from them, but 



KEV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 171 

they will not have the same fears of their brethren. 
We told him that we were of the opinion that the 
good men, in our country, who sent us here, would 
be well satisfied to have the colonists govern them- 
selves, if the proper persons could be found among 
them. If the white people should interfere, and ap- 
point a governor of the colony, it would be only to 
give it stability and security; aiid, whatever part 
they might take at first, they would be looking for- 
ward to the time when the people of colour should 
govern themselves. This view of the subject seem- 
ed very satisfactory to him, and he said his senti- 
ments were the same as his uncle's, and should be 
pleased to have us settle at the mouth of the Ca- 
maranca. 

" York Island, Wednesday, 1st April 
" Last night we anchored in seven fathoms water, 
half way between the Plantains and Sherbro Island 
This morning we sailed along Sherbro Island, and as 
we approached Jenkins we saw the mouth of the Ba- 
groo river, and the highlands in the interior; the 
former eight or ten miles, and the latter 20 or 25 
miles, distant. Sherbro Island is usually estimated 
at 22 miles by 12, in extent. At 10 a. m. we called 
at Samo, a town of 20 huts, on the island, half a mile 
from Jenkins. A canoe took us on shore. Somasa, 
the head man of Samo, was not at home. William 
Ado is the head man of Jenkins. The brother of 
Somasa accepted our little present, and heard our 
words. He said as his brother was not at home, he 
could not turn one way or the other, i, e. presumed 



172 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

not to express his opinion. We walked about the 
island, found the water good, and the surface 15 or 
20 feet above the sea. 

" At 3 p. m. we arrived at York Island, now occupied 
by Mr. Anderson, formerly of Bance Island. This 
island may be two miles long, and one broad, is low, 
unhealthy, and surrounded with mangroves. We vi- 
sited the ruins of an old fort or castle — walls very 
thick — bricks uncommonly red and hard — stone of a 
quality not to be found about here — probably built 
200 years ago, now partly washed away by the tides. 

" Bendou, Thursday, 2d April. 

" This morning we came to Bendou. King Soma- 
no has three villages near him, and owns considera- 
ble tracts of land in different places. Soon after we 
anchored, he sent a canoe on board to know who 
were come. The messenger was told that two gen- 
tlemen had come from America to see him. We 
were pleased to learn that Safah of Chaa was here, 
as it would be necessary to see him likewise. 

" At 10 a. m. we went on shore and found king So- 
mano seated in the Palaver-house. This is only a co- 
nical roof, supported by posts, leaving an area about 
twenty feet in diameter. Mr. K. took his seat near 
the king; Mr. B. and myself nearly in front. Safah 
soon made his appearance, marching along between 
the mud-walled cottages, dressed in a silver-laced 
coat, a superb three-cornered hat, a mantle around 
his neck hanging nearly to the ground, blue bafta 
trowsers, considerably the worse for wear; without 
stockings or shoes. Sotnano was dressed in a com- 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 173 

mon gown and pantaloons, with hat and shoes. Safah 
is large, has a broad African face, and an inquisitive 
eye. Somano is rather slender, and has a face less 
striking : both are nearly sixty years of age. After 
a full introduction to the kings, we had to shake 
hands with the men and women, who had collected 
around to the number of 40 or 50. Some of our 
party went to the schooner for our present, before 
the palaver could be opened. Mr. K. left his hand- 
kerchief in the chair as a pledge that he would come 
back. Our present consisted of a piece of bafta, a 
keg of powder, a few bars of tobacco, and a small jar 
of rum. The last article Mr. K. was requested to ob- 
tain for us, as we were told they wodld in no case 
hold a palaver without it ; and we have reason to be- 
lieve our information correct. These people are 
only children of a larger growth, and we would hope 
by a temporary conformity, gradually to wean them 
from their vicious customs. One jar only was first 
set before them : they contended that there were two 
kings, and they must have two bottles : nor would 
they yield this point until a second was produced. 
The palaver now went on. Mr. K. stated, in a very 
satisfactory manner, the nature and objects of our 
visit: That we came from America, from Washing- 
ton, the capital of the United States ; that wise and 
good men had agreed to help the black people who 
wished to come to this country ; that the design was 
a good one, and would promote the best interests of 
the black people both in America and Africa : that if 
they should sell or give tracts of their unimproved 
lands, the people who came would introduce more 



174 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

knowledge of the arts and of agriculture : would buy 
such things as they had to sell, and would sell to 
them such things as they wanted. They listened 
with attention. We made additional statements, 
with which they expressed their satisfaction. Safah 
inquired if we had any book with us. We told him 
we had. Mr. B. read, and Mr. R. interpreted some 
parts of our instructions, particularly the article 
which directs us to visit Sherbro. 

" During the discussion, the kings suggested fears 
that an American colony would do as Sierra Leone 
had done, (referring to a war which in the event dis- 
possessed king Thorn of the country adjacent to the 
colony.) Mr. K. defended Sierra Leone, and made 
the kings submit to the truth of his argument. They 
said they were younger brothers of Sherbro, and 
must wait his answer. If we had applied to them for 
land, they would have given their consent : now they 
are not able to give an answer, but will send a man 
to speak their mind to Sherbro. They thanked us 
for our present, but made no return. Indeed we 
could hardly have desired their bounty, as they are, 
and ever will be, poor, while their indolent habits 
are indulged. They possess much good land, but do 
not cultivate one acre in fifty, if one in five hundred. 
The banks of Sherbro bay are low, not exceeding 
twenty feet above the sea. Some places are occa- 
sionally overflowed with the tide, and covered with 
mangroves. High lands may be seen between the 
Bagroo and Deong rivers. We are inclined to think 
the first station should be on Sherbro island, near 
Jenkins, and the principal settlements on the Bagroo r 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 175 

nearly opposite, Sherbro bay has much the appear- 
ance of the Mississippi river between the mouth of 
the Ohio and Natchez. The islands are numerous. 
The land on Sherbro island is flat and sandy, but co- 
vered with a luxuriant growth of trees, shrubs, vines, 
pine apple plants, &c. The water is good, though 
less cold than in more northern latitudes. 

" During our conversation, the kings named some 
articles which our people must bring hereafter, if an 
arrangement be made for land. One wanted a large 
hat, shoes, &c. ; the other wanted a silver-headed 
cane, clothes, and especially a black horse tail, fur- 
nished with an elegant handle, which is the badge of 
royalty in this country. 

" After the palaver was over, the rum was served 
round in a small glass. Some became merry and 
noisy. We walked to two other villages on the bank, 
and returned to the schooner at 3 p. m. 

" We had not been long on board when we receiv- 
ed a troublesome visit from Somano and some of his 
men. He said he came to pay his respects to us, 
and it was the custom when the king came on board 
a vessel, to be treated with rum, &c. We excused 
ourselves that we were not on board our own ship, 
and could not treat the king with the same respect as 
we might in our own country. He left us tolerably 
satisfied, after being regaled with a bottle of wine, 
and receiving some pipes for his tobacco; but on 
shore he complained of our incivility. He has been 
long acquainted with slave traders, and it would be 
strange if he supported a different character under 
the tuition of such men. 



176 MEMOIRS OF THE LAT£ 

" Some of his people brought on board some mats, 
honey, palm-oil, and rice, to trade. 

" Near the Palaver-house was a little thatched 
hut, not larger than a spread umbrella, called the 
witch or devil's house. It was filled with shells, bits 
of cloth, &e. In walking out from the village, I pass- 
ed by the devil's bush, a thicket of shrubs and vines 
nearly impenetrable by any one. If a woman should 
be found in this bush, she would suffer death accord- 
ing to the law of the Purrah. When we were at the 
Bananas, I saw a man, who was tattooed with marks 
and lines on his face, back, and breast; and inquired 
of Caulker the reason of it. He said he was what 
the English would call a free mason, a Purrah, and 
known to his brethren by these marks. 

" In this land, where altars are erected to devils, 
we sung the hymn, " Salvation, oh the joyful sound,'* 
•&c. A number of the natives were present at our 
evening prayer, and behaved well. 

" Yonie, Friday, 2d ..April. 

t; Improving the wind and the tide, we crossed the 
bay six or eight miles to Yonie, where king Sheibro 
lives. The islands and the main land present a 
very verdant and handsome prospect. 

" At 8 a. m, anchored at Yonie, and Messrs. Kizell 
and Martin went on shore to prepare the way for 
our interview with king Sherbro and the prince 
Kong Couber. We may safely trust our friend K. 
No man's heart can be more ardent for the success of 
our object, and no man in Africa could probably be 
so useful to us under present circumstances. After 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 177 

his return in the afternoon, he gave us the following 
narrative. He met Kong Couber by the water side, 
who took him by the hand and led him to his house. 
He told the prince that two gentlemen, strangers of 
king Sherbro, had come. They are from America, 
the city of Washington, and the kings and head men 
there. They are sent to see king Sherbro, and ob- 
tain a place for some black people who are free in 
that country, and will come to sit down by king Sher- 
bro, if he will give some ground where they may 
settle. The offer is made to Sherbro, but if he re- 
fuses it, the people will be settled in another place. 
If he gives them a place, it will be a great advantage 
to his children and people; for these people will 
bring the arts and knowledge of cultivation, and will 
establish schools to learn the children. We, old 
men, must die soon. The children will be instruct- 
ed and know more than their fathers. These people 
will make things cheaper and plentier; they will 
come in quiet, without quarrels and fightings. If our 
people do bad, there must be a regular palaver and 
no arms taken up. If your people do bad, the busi- 
ness must be settled the same way. If it be a great 
crime, I suppose the bad man will be shut up and 
made to work hard, and no lives taken. If you want 
to know the truth of these things, you may send some 
of your sons to America for education, and perhaps 
some head men to see what these men say is true. 
To all this, and to each sentence, he said, hem, hem. 

" Not finding the prince disposed to say much, Mr. 
K. sent Mr. M. for a bottle of wine and a little tobac- 
co. He drank a little of it, and gave the rest to his 
Z 



178 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

people. He then sent two fowls on board for our 
dinner. 

" The prince then told Mr. K. that all he said was 
true and good. But he was only a boy, and could 
say nothing before he saw the king. He could give 
no answer ; he must call all the head men together, 
and tell them the business, that they might speak 
their mind, for the country belonged to all the kings 
and head men. But he would hold a palaver to-mor- 
row and hear what the gentlemen would say. 

" The prince, Kong Couber, is the son of old 
king Sherbro. It is a custom of the people, when a 
king dies, to select a king from another family. 
While one of another family enjoys the name of king, 
this prince has the ability to preserve the power in 
his own hands. He is a man of superior intelligence 
and skilled in palavers. We shall probably be de- 
tained a week at least. It is impossible to foresee the 
result. We now propose to obtain a pledge that 
we may occupy some miles square on Sherbro Island 
opposite the Bagroo, and tracts of land on that river 
including the mountains 20 or 25 miles up. The 
country is represented fertile, with very kw inhabit- 
ants, and especially in the hilly parts healthy. 
Large vessels may safely come to Jenkins, and there 
are four fathoms water up the Bagroo. 

" Yonie, Saturday, 4th April, 1818. 
" The morning cloudy ; the thermometer stands at 
30 degrees; the extremes of temperature which 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS, 179 

I have noticed since I left Sierra Leone* were 97 de- 
grees and 86 degrees. 

" The loud and confused cries of the natives in the 
village, occasioned by the death of one of the wo- 
men, attracted our attention at an early hour. These 
lamentations for the dead often continue a considera- 
ble time. When the inhabitants of the surrounding 
villages come into the place where the death has oc- 
curred, they commence their cries. 

"We have ascertained that the account which J, 
Banna, the African, gave us in London, is correct. 
He has a brother living in the Gallinas. We have 
not ascertained whether his father is alive. The 
rock to which he referred, split into two parts, and 
one part standing erect, and visible three day's jour- 
ney off, appears to be an inaccessible ledge, the re- 
sort of wild birds. Banna, who expressed an ardent 
desire to bring his brethren to a knowledge of the 
truth, may yet be a blessing to his country. 

" We went on shore to attend the palaver. Kong 
Couber met us where we landed, in a friendly man- 
ner, and introduced us to king Sherbro. He was sit- 
ting in the door of his hut, barefoot, with a cap and 
three-cornered hat on his head, dressed in a calico 
gown, and some folds of country cloth, with a large 
silver-headed cane in his left hand, and a horse 
tail, the regal badge, in his right. He is about sixty 
years of age. We walked together under a large 
cola tree, which furnished an excellent shade. Sher- 
bro seated himself in a great chair, Mr. K. on his 
right hand: Couber on a large mat before the 
king ; Mr. B. and myself near the foot of the tree in 



ISO MEMOIRS OF THE LATB 

front : the people, 50 or 60 in number, were seated 
in a circle, some on mats, and some on the ground ; 
the women and children around the circle behind the 
men. Some of the people were dressed in gowns^ 
extending from the neck to the feet; some in blan- 
kets of the country cloth, wrapped around the body ; 
some, particularly the young, in narrow strips of 
cloth ; while the children were not burdened with 
any clothes at all. 

" Our present of bafta, tobacco, &c. was placed 
on a mat in the centre of the circle. After the usual 
ceremonies in opening a palaver, our character, and 
the object of our visit was made known. Good and 
great men, in America, had sent us to talk to king 
Sherbro about the children of those African people 
who, in times past have been carried from Africa to 
America. Some of them are free to go where they 
please, and some of them think of returning to the 
land of their fathers. Some people in our country 
think of helping them, and have sent us to speak with 
Sherbro and other kings, to see if lands may be given 
to these strangers to sit down quietly. The people 
who come, by cultivating the ground, and by a know- 
ledge of the arts, will increase the necessaries and 
conveniences of life. We come as messengers of 
peace and good tidings — no arms in oUr hands— wish 
no war. If the kings consent to our wishes, and the 
people obtain a quiet settlement here, we think they 
will establish schools to instruct all the children. 
They will bring the book of God with them ; and 
when you are able to understand it, we hope it will 



BEV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 181 

make you more happy while you live here, and after 
you die. What word will king Sherbro send back to 
the people in our country ? 

"Parts of our instructions were read, with many ad- 
ditional observations, and the whole was carefully 
interpreted, as we read or spoke. 

" Kong Couber, who managed the whole business 
on their part, replied, all you say is well, very well : 
but, said he to Mr. K. you say you called on Caulk- 
er : why did not Caulker send his present to king 
Sherbro? David Caulker answered, his uncle was 
poor, and had nothing in his hand to send when they 
came away. But, said Couber, Caulker ought to 
have sent something to his father. These men were 
sent to king Sherbro, why did they call on Somano 
and Safah before they came to me ? We told him, it 
was convenient to us to call on them as we came 
down ; and no disrespect was designed to Sherbro, 
as we were not minutely informed of the rank of the 
kings, or the customs of the country. How would 
you like it, said he, when a table was set for yourself, 
that your child should sit down before you and you 
eat afterwards ? But why did not Somano and Sa- 
fah come and speak their minds to Sherbro ? Tasso, 
Somano's deputy, said, that king Somano sent him to 
hear what Sherbro would say, that he might know 
what answer to give to the strangers. All this was un- 
satisfactory. It was concluded that no answer could 
be given until Safah and Somano came. Tasso was 
sent to call them. 

" The palaver lasted between three and four hours. 



182 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

Despatch in business is what African kings know no- 
thing of. They will talk around a subject for hours 
without coming to the point. 

" In the evening, the natives renewed their lamen- 
tations for the dead, with dancing, beating on a 
drum, etc. The music is dull and monotonous. 
When a king, or head man dies, they make much pa- 
rade. D. Caulker says, that during the cry for old 
Caulker, the people came from all the country, and 
drank twenty puncheons of rum. 

" Mr. K. is a second Paul Cuffee. He has a good 
mind and considerable knowledge. His writings 
discover him to be a man of sense and worth. He 
has a good heart, and no one can be more anxious 
for the temporal and spiritual welfare of Africans, 
and their descendants. He has enlarged views, and 
believes with the fullest confidence, that the time has 
arrived, when the descendants of Africans abroad 
shall begin to return to their own country. His mind 
relies on the promise of God, " Ethiopia shall soon 
stretch forth her hands unto God." He says, if we 
can fix on a proper place for a colony, our people 
may come out by hundreds and thousands, and we 
need not fear the consequences, only sending some 
men of education and piety to be their conductors 
and guides. Africa is the land of black men, and to 
Africa they must and will come. It is at present a 
wide and fertile wilderness ; but it may be made to 
bud and blossom like the rose. As for land, he 
says, it belongs to Africans abroad, as well as those 
now in this country ; and if they are disposed to 
return, land they must and shall have. They 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 183 

have not forfeited a right to the inheritance of their 
fathers, by being carried by force from their country. 
The good people in America have only to help them 
to get back, and assist them a year or two, until they 
can help themselves. Then if they will not work, 
the fault is their own. They certainly will not freeze 
nor starve. Let any class of the people of colour 
come, only give us a few who will be good leaders 
of the rest. He urges the plan of colonization, among 
other reasons, on the ground, that it will prevent in- 
surrection among the slaves — remove some bad men 
who will not have the same opportunity to do mis- 
chief here as there — bring into this country some 
good men, who will shine as lights in this dark world 
— give an opportunity to masters who are disposed 
to release their slaves, and thus promote a gradual 
emancipation — provide a home for many oppressed 
free men, and confer infinite blessings on this coun- 
try. Mr. K. thinks the greater part of the people 
of colour, who are now in America, will yet return 
to Africa." 

- Yonie, Sabbath, 5th April, 1818. 
" Called on Kong Couber at his thatched cottage. 
Mr. K. told him it was our sabbath, devoted to the 
service of God in christian countries, when God's 
book was read before the people. He answered, all 
people should be glad to hear God's book — it was 
the best book — God's palaver was the old and good 
palaver, I stated to him the belief #f good people 
in America, respecting the creation of the world, the 
sinful state of mankind, and the way of salvation by 



184 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

Jesus Christ. I referred him to the blessings which 
the christian religion confers on the persons and na- 
tio 1 ho embrace it, and contrasted the state of the 
American and African people, noticing even the ne- 
cessaries and conveniences of life which we enjoyed, 
and of which they were destitute. I told him our 
most precious comforts were derived from the love 
of God, and an obedience to his commands. I spoke 
of the future judgment, when we must all appear be- 
fore God, to give an account of the deeds done here 
in the body, when, as our conduct had been good or 
bad in the sight of God, we should receive a sentence 
of approbation or condemnation ; that, though the 
body is laid in the grave, the soul lives, and will 
hereafter be united with the body, etc. etc. I urged 
the importance of worshipping God and not devils ; 
that God, who was the Possessor of the world, would 
be angry with any people who erected altars to de- 
vils, and would visit them in judgment ; that the de- 
vil was only a creature, and had no more power than 
God gave him. I told him all in christian countries 
were not good people; he had seen many from Ame- 
rica and England who were bad-men. Mr. K. named 
perhaps a dozen foreigners with whom Couber had 
been acquainted, who were slave-traders, and bad 
men, who did not prosper, but died poor and wretch- 
ed, often leaving their children cast upon the world 
friendless and neglected. He said that the afflic- 
tions which some of the natives suffered, were the 
judgments of £*od for their sins : here the leopard 
comes, and, sometimes, drives the people away from 
a town ; a shark or an alligator catches a boy, and 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 185 

you say he was killed by a witch, and go and sell a 
whole family into slavery. Such things were not 
known in England or America. 

"Kong Couber listened with a serious countenance 
and fixed attention. I could not but believe that he 
was impressed with a conviction of the truth of what 
was said. Mr. K. told Couber that he had been in 
Sherbro about twenty years, but he never knew two 
so good men come to it on so good an errand. 

"We learn that the young men in this and the adja- 
cent towns are in favour of the contemplated colo- 
ny. They think it will be a good thing for the 
country, and make them know more. The consent 
of the kings will probably be obtained for lands. 

" Since Mr. K. has been in this country, he has 
saved five or six persons from death ; some condemn- 
ed for witchcraft, and some for crimes they never 
committed. Some of these were nearly dead by the 
excessive quantities of red water which they had been 
compelled to drink. He has sometimes paid 50 or 
100 bars to save one from these superstitious murder- 
ers. He has also rescued fifteen or twenty persons 
from foreign slavery, sometimes by interposing his 
authority, but more commonly by purchase. He 

speaks of , a head man of vile character 

who is engaged in furnishing slaves for the ships now 
at Gallinas, about 50 miles down the coast. It is 
asserted that seven or eight vessels are now lying off 
that river, waiting for cargoes ; one of which unfurls 
the American flag, armed with twenty guns, and be- 
longing to , who professes to be an Ameri- 
can citizen. It is high time for the American go- 
2A 



186 MEMOIRS OE THE LA'iE 

vernment to guard against the violation of their laws, 
at least by American citizens, and to interpose their 
authority to check this barbarous traffic. 

" Yonic, Monday 6th April, 18 18. 

" Safah and Somano have not arrived. Mr. K. has 
spent a part of the day with the king and people. 
He thinks we have a fair prospect of obtaining lands, 
both for a commercial town or towns, on the coast, 
aad more extended settlements in the interior. We 
have been afraid to attack the superstitious customs 
of the people, while our negotiations were pending ; 
but they have always listened to us with attention, 
and Mr. K. says they are pleased with the idea that 
our people will build churches for the worship of the 
true God, and will teach the children to read the 
words in God's book. 

" Mr. K. conducted our evening worship, and pray- 
ed earnestly for Africans, their descendants in fo- 
reign lands, the Colonization Society, their agents, 
&c. &c. He does not allow that this plan originated 
in America, but insists that it had its origin in hea- 
ven ; and he has much greater confidence than the 
Managers of the Colonization Society, that their 
plans, if pursued with prudence and vigour, will be 
completely successful He has great influence in 
Sherbro, owns considerable tracts of land here, and 
is acknowledged by the natives to be a head man of 
the country. The districts of country on which we 
are fixing our thoughts, are recommended by a num- 
ber of persons as the best for our objects on this part 
of the coast, They have good water, rapids in the 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 187 

rivers for mills, and a soil suited to rice, coffee, cot- 
ton, kc. We can see distinctly, as we lay off Yonie, 
the high range of mountains to the right of the Ba- 
groo, perhaps twenty-five miles distant. 

" We have no intelligence from Safah and Somano. 
We must wait with patience on these people. Some 
years ago, a destructive war raged between Caulker 
and Cleveland, in which most of the Bullom people 
were enlisted on one side or the other. Sherbro was 
for Cleveland, Safah and Somano were for Caulker. 
A cessation of arms was effected by a governor of 
Sierra Leone, but his early death prevented the con- 
summation of the treaty, and mutual jealousies have 
existed ever since. They have not seen each other 
for years. Sherbro wishes to improve this opportu- 
nity to bring them together. As the country is com- 
mon property, one dares not move until he knows 
the mind of the rest. 

" Yonie, Tuesday, 1th April, 1818. 

w Mr. Martin, D. and R. Caulker, and one of Sher- 
bro's men, were sent on an embassy after Safah and 
Somano, and forbidden to sleep before they re- 
turned. 

" We have had much conversation on the organi- 
zation and government of the proposed colony. The 
natives need not be feared. They are not numerous, 
have few arms, timid in disposition, jealous of each 
other, and broken up into small, independent, elec- 
tive governments. There is little reason to fear a 
general combination among them, and their strength 
would be small if they should combine together. If 



]S& MEMOIRS Of IllE LATE 

the Sierra Leone colony should continue favourable, 
and throw no obstacles in our way, that will keep 
the native people in awe. Should our settlement 
prosper, it will in two or three years be fully com- 
petent to defend itself without aid from our country; 
and previously to that time, a single armed sloop or 
brio;, sent to execute the abolition laws, would give 
to our settlements perfect security. If the people 
were troublesome, fire a big gun out in the bay, and 
they would all fly to the bush, and not an individual 
be found. 

"Samanoand Safaharrived to-day; butanothercir- 
cumstance has occurred, which will delay our nego- 
tiations: one of Kong Couber's wives died this morn- 
ing, and the cry for her may prevent his taking a part 
in the council for some days. 

" Yonie, Wednesday , SthJlpril, 1818. 
"We learn that some consultations respecting the 
dead, will put off any palaver to-day. As our pre- 
sence will not be required here to-day. we propose to 
sail down to the mouth of Shebar, which may proper- 
ly be considered an outlet of Sherbro sound, about 
eight miles from Yonie. We presented to the head 
man a bottle of wine and a little tobacco. He knew 
and approved the objects of our visit to this country. 
He said we were all brethren ; some of the head 
men of the country (including himself) were the chil- 
dren of Europeans or Americans, and it would be 
strange if they should drive away their brethren of 
whatever colour, especially as they wanted such 
tbings as the country did not produce, or they knew 



REV. SAM¥EL J. MILLS. 183 

not how to manufacture, which our people would 
bring them. 

" We walked across the point to the beach, against 
which the surf beats with great violence and a per- 
petual roar. We could see ten or fifteen miles to- 
wards Gallinas. The coast appeared low, covered 
with vegetation and lined with a beach of white 
sand. The whole peninsula is sandy, covered with 
pullom and palm trees, shrubs, &c. We saw fields 
of cassada. We walked around the point to the 
mouth of the Shebar. It is one mile wide. The bar 
is semi-circular, making a circuit of three or four 
miles. It has an island in the middle ; the best chan- 
nel is on the Sherbro island side, having three and a 
half and four fathoms water at full tide. Schooners 
and brigs have come into the Shebar, but the attempt 
is hazardous. There are nine fathoms in some pla- 
ces within the bar. We were anxious to cross the 
bar to ascertain the soundings, but could not find a 
pilot. In the rainy season, the south-west winds raise 
the waves very high. 

" Yonie, Thursday, 9th April, 1818. 

"The kings meet this morning for consultation. 
An additional present is necessary. Patience may 
almost have her perfect work on the dispositions and 
hearts of those which wait on men so slothful in busi- 
ness and so eager to receive the tribute of strangers,. 

" I am not certain but Mr. Caulker, of the Bananas, 
would consent to receive some of our people on his 
island. It is a very pleasant place, has good water, 
and high land, and is open to the sea breeze. It 



190 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

produces, or is capable of producing, most of the ar- 
ticles found in tropical climates. It is above eight 
miles long and three broad, six miles from the main 
land. There is one strong objection, however, that 
the Sierra Leone colony lays some general claim to 
the islands, though Mr. C. does not acknoAvledge 
the validity of the claim. 

"The kings have been some hours in friendly con- 
sultation. They would not have embraced each 
other at this time, had not our visit and the media- 
tion of Kizell brought them together. They have 
settled past difficulties, and are consulting on the 
subject of our application. They engage to see us 
and express their mind to-morrow. 

" We wish to ascertain, first, whether they will 
promise to the American Society or government, 
tracts of land, eligible, and sufficiently extensive, 
where our people of colour may settle ; and, secondly, 
on what conditions such tracts of land may be pur- 
chased or occupied. Should we succeed in these 
respects, we shall expect them to engage to favour 
and support the colony, so far as may be in their 
power. 

"Yesterday, when Mr. B. and Mr. K. were on 
shore condoling with Kong Couber on the death of 
one of his wives, Couber said, referring to us, " May 
the Lord bless you, and as you came to this country 
with good wishes, may you find good things." This 
appears to express confidence in our character, anil 
approbation of our objects. 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 191 

;1 Yonie, Friday, 10th April, 1818. 
u At 1 a. m. we were informed the kings were 
ready to receive us in council. We went on shore 
and found all assembled under the cola tree. Sher- 
bro was seated in his armed chair, with Somano on 
his right hand, and Safah on his left, holding the in- 
signia of his office, the silver-headed cane and the 
horse tail. Couber sat on a mat before Sherbro, 
Mr. B., Mr. K., and myself, sat facing the kings. After 
shaking hands with the kings and princes, Mr. K. 
said, we are come. Couber replied, we see you ; we 
are glad ; we love you ; we do not hate you ; you are 
our strangers ; we love your country ; we are friends ; 
we love peace as you do; war is not good, &c &c. 
But when you did come from the head men of your 
country to Sherbro, where is the letter you did bring- 
to Sherbro ? We answered, that we had instructions 
to visit Sherbro, and consult with the kings of the 
' country ; but as king Sherbro was not personally- 
known in our country, no letter was addressed to 
him. He afterwards said, if we had come in our ship 
directly to Yonie, they could give us an answer ; and 
asked Mr. R. if his father, the Governor of Sierra 
Leone, did not send him with us. Mr. K. said the 
Governor did not, as he was absent at the Gambia, 
and besides, the people of Sierra Leone were free 
men to go where they pleased, without asking their 
father. I replied, that we came to Sierra Leone, 
strangers to all the people, and finding our friends 
Kizell, Martin, and Anderson, to be acquainted with 
the language and kings of the country, we invited 
them to come with us. Mr. K, said, he had a letter 



192 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

from a friend in England to assist us; besides, if 
strangers of king Sherbro arrive at Sierra Leone, it 
was not fit to let them stand alone, but come and in- 
troduce thern. 

" Kong Couber said, the country belongs to all the 
kings and people, we cannot sell land, unless we see 
them all. We, in reply, urged the necessity of a de- 
finite answer, that we might carry their good words 
to our people ; or go to other kings, who would give 
us a good answer. We inquired whether the head 
men and people could not be assembled before we 
went away. Couber answered, it was the busy sea- 
son of the year, rains were coming on, the people 
were clearing their plantations, and sowing their 
rice ; the kings were poor, and must work as well as 
the people ; the people could not be called together, 
unless there was something to set before them, &c. 
&c. If we had goods to buy lands and people to sit 
down, they would call the head men together. After 
much palaver and a forcible recapitulation of the 
objects of our visit, we inquired, what answer shall 
we carry to our people of colour? Will king Sher- 
bro receive his children? Yes, we cannot hate 
them, we will receive them. 

" We proposed that we should have liberty to 
look about their country, and go to other kings on 
the coast, if we chose, without giving offence : they 
assented. They proposed that we should write 
Sherbro's words in two books ; leave one book with 
them, and take the other to our country : when we 
came back, or any others, from our head men, they 
should bring this book and a letter addressed to king 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 193 

•Sherbro : we assented. Couber said, our present 
was carefully preserved, and was at our command. 
We answered, we freely gave it to king Sherbro and 
the people. He inquired if we should consider it a 
payment for land. We said, No. These people have 
so long dealt with rogues, that they cannot, without 
difficulty, trust honest men. 

" Yonie, Saturday, Uth April, 1818. 

" A number of the natives were present at our 
morning worship, and behaved with great propriety. 
Afterwards, I stated to them the fundamental truths of 
the christian religion, and urged on them the neces- 
sity of a Saviour for sinners, and the duty of a holy 
life. The} assented to my words, and said, that 
they and their brethren believed that good men, 
when they died, went to God, and bad men to hell. 
Their convictions are less erroneous than their prac- 
tice. The obstacles to the introduction of religious 
knowledge into this country, appear not to be so 
great as in many other heathen lands. 

" When on shore to-day, we read to Kong Couber 
the book which we had written according to his 
suggestion. He said it was right, the kings had 
agreed to do so, and their word might be relied on. 
But he said he was alone, and must not say much, 
lest the kings or people should say he was secretly 
selling the country without consulting them. 

"We repeated some of the advantages which 
might flow from our settlements— the introduction of 
the spinning wheel, the loom, the plough, the ma- 
chines for cleaning rice, and mills for sawing wood — 
2 B 



194 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

the establishment of schools, &c. : and endeavoured 
to convince him that we did not want lands for white 
men, because we have vast uncultivated tracts in our 
country, but for such of the descendants of Africans 
as might improve their situation by such a change. 
I expressed to him a hope that the Africans would 
hereafter cultivate their lands better, build ships, 
and go to England and America with their ivory, 
rice, palm oil, cotton and coffee. We gave him an 
outline of Paul Cuffee's life, whose father was an 
African. 

" Kong Couber offered to send two of his sons to 
America for an education in any American ship, 
which might come to Sherbro on this business. It 
will no doubt have a good effect on the minds of the 
people here, if any vessel should visit this country 
to carry into effect the plan of the Colonization So- 
ciety, that some of the upright and influential men of 
colour should come out. They could look at the 
country, and speak for themselves. The natives 
would see that they were their brethren and friends, 

"In attempting to obtain lands of the kings, we 
have had to encounter only such objections as we 
anticipated. They have had to deal with the worst 
class of white men, who have often committed the 
grossest acts of violence and injustice. In 1806, a 
slave-trader made some presents to old king Sher- 
bro and the people, and allured the old king and 
some of the princes on board his ship, off the She- 
bar. He would not then liberate them, except with 
much unkind treatment, and in exchange for many 
slaves. 



liEV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 195 

;t They know that we are decidedly opposed to the 
slave-trade, which some of them would relinquish 
with reluctance. Their convictions and better 
judgment are against it. They know that the people 
of colour are very numerous in our country, and it 
has occurred to them that so many may come as to 
give laws to this land. This they fear. They ap- 
pear not to care that their superstitious customs will 
be disregarded; but on the contrary, have always 
expressed an approbation that the great God should 
be worshipped, and their children should learn 
to read his book. They do not like to say we may 
have any particular tracts of country, through fear 
of offence to head men, who have not been consulted. 

" Yonie, Sabbath, 12th April, 1818. 

" The good hand of our God preserves us in peace 
and safety. The sun does not smite us by day, nor 
the moon by night. The heat is oppressive only a 
few hours in the day. The air is cooled by the sea- 
breeze. The thermometer is lower than often on a 
summer day in the United States. The atmosphere 
is hazy or cloudy much of the time. 

" This morning we sung the psalm, " Sweet is the 
work, my God, my King;" and I made some obser- 
vations on the fourth commandment, u Remember the 
sabbath day." 

" We have thought much of going into the differ- 
ent villages, and, by an interpreter, preaching to the 
people. But we are unwilling to take any step which 
might excite their superstitious fears, and lead them 
to oppose our plans. We came not to establish a 



196 MEMOIRS OF THK LATA, 

solitary church, but to lay the foundation tor thou- 
sands of churches. We have had conversation with 
the chief men on the truths of the Christian religion, 
and have had many of the people at different times 
to worship with us on board the ship. This has 
been a quiet day, and much more like a sabbath 
than many 1 have spent in christian lands. 

" We arrived at the mouth of the Boom, at seven 
in the evening. As it was dark, the wind fresh, and 
the bay wide, we stopped at the little village Runta, 
and the head man of whom we hired our canoe, hos- 
pitably furnished us with his house. The room and 
bedstead was hung around with curtains of mats, cu- 
riously wrought. We slept comfortably. We call- 
ed at this village as we went up yesterday morning. 
It is a romantic little spot. Twelve or fifteen houses 
stand close together; a narrow avenue to the bay 
gives access to the sea-breeze : palm, orange, cocoa- 
nut, banana, and plantain trees, overshadow the 
houses. Sugar-canes, cotton shrubs, and cassada 
plants, grow on each side the path which leads to a 
few rice fields just behind ; then the whole is closely 
encircled with forest trees and wild vines of the rich- 
est foilage. Were it the abode of innocence, it 
might be esteemed a garden of Eden. The chief 
man is gaining wealth, and lives comfortably. He 
will probably be considered a king in the country in 
a few years. 

" Sherbro Bay, Wednesday, 1 5th Jlpril, 1818. 
{; At day light, we put our company in motion, and 
crossed the bay in safety, to our schooner, off Yonie. 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS., 191 

We went on shore to take leave of Kong Couber. 
King Sherbro and the second prince, Teng-Bang, 
were out of town ; the one at his salt works, and the 
other at his rice plantation. Kong Couber inquired 
with apparent solicitude when we should return. 
We told him it was doubtful whether either of us 
would ever return, our country was far off He said, 
we must return; the people knew us, and there was 
a good understanding between us and the head men : 
if we came back to-morrow in the manner we pro- 
posed, the head men would meet, and the business 
be settled. We told him it was probable that some 
people from our country would visit Sherbro in one 
year; and if we were alive in our country, we would 
send letters and presents, which would convince 
Kong Couber that we remembered his kindness. He 
gave us a goat for our men, and two mats for our fa- 
thers in America. He walked along the shore with 
us, and giving us his hand, said in English, " May 
God bless you, and give you a good voyage to your 
country." While we gave sail to our little schooner, 
he sat down by the shore, under an orange tree, ap- 
parently pensive and melancholy. This prince is 
conscious of the depressed condition of his people, 
and the barbarous state of his country. He sighs 
for their improvement. He has, in times past, com- 
plained to Mr. K., that his father did not send him 
to England for an education; and has almost wished 
he had been sold as a slave, into America, like Mr. 
K., if he could only have acquired learning, and liv.j 
ed to return back to Africa. He has told his people, 
ihat if we came back to live there, he should drink 



19S MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

wine only, and no more rum, because rum turned the 
head, and made men fools. I am not certain but 
missionaries of prudence, self-denial, and christian 
zeal, might spend their lives usefully here. There 
would be no want of children to instruct. Couber, 
and perhaps some other head men, may be confided 
in. Serious obstacles must be anticipated. Slave 
traders have made even savages more vicious. The 
people are generally idle, superstitious, self-indul- 
gent, and fond of ardent spirits. Polygamy is nearly 
universal. 

At 11 a. m. we anchored oflPBendou, and sent our 
compliments to Somano. We rested a few minutes 
under the shade of a large orange tree, loaded with 
oranges of a full size. A lime tree stood near, whose 
branches were literally bent down with fruit. So- 
mano, Safah, and their people, were assembled in 
the Palaver-house. The head woman, or queen, 
had recently been accused of witchcraft. She had 
drunk the red-water, and escaped without injury. 
This proved her innocence. Within a few days, her 
people had killed an elephant. This is considered 
a lucky omen, and a testimony of the favour of the 
gods. Hence, she brought forward a charge of false 
accusation for witchcraft, and a demand of repara- 
tion. This was the subject of palaver. All the peo- 
ple were sitting around to witness the progress of the 
debate, and anxious about the result. The men who 
had distinguished themselves in killing the elephant, 
with their wives, occupied prominent seats. They 
were dressed and ornamented with more richness 
and elegance than any I ever saw in Africa. 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 199 

" Deong River, Thursday, 16th April, 1818. 
»' At 9 a. m. we crossed the bay about five or six 
miles to the moutfr of the Deong, passing two places 
near the beach where the people were boiling salt. 
The shores of the bay, and the islands, are girt around 
with mangroves. The soil is black mud, liable to be 
overflowed by the tide, especially in the rainy sea- 
son. The mouth of the river is, at the least, a mile 
wide. It enters the bay from the east, and preserves 
the same general direction about twenty miles, when 
it flows from the north of east. Like the Boom, the 
Deong has a series of islands extending up 20 or 25 
miles, which divides the river into two channels. We 
ascended the right branch, which is not so wide and 
navigable as the left. About 10 miles up, we came 
to land on the right bank, not liable to be overflowed 
in the rains. Near this, a small stream comes in 
from the right, which flows along Soyarrah's terri- 
tory. Here the water in the river becomes fresh. 
There is a large ledge of rocks in the middle of the 
river. We directed our men to paddle towards it, to 
which they were wholly averse, believing that some 
evil spirits lived there, who would punish their te- 
merity. We laid our commands upon them, when 
they yielded with reluctance, and threw water into 
the air with their hands, as if to appease the wrath 
of these local demons. The ledge is common free- 
stone, of considerable extent, and a few feet above 
the surface. Mr. K. said the natives have a tradition 
that these rocks have crossed and re-crossed the ri- 
ver, sometimes above and sometimes below the wa- 
ter, to the alarm and astonishment of all the country. 



20® MEMOIRS OP THE LATE 

" This country has seen better days. Its popula- 
tion was once much greater. The ravages of war 
and the slave-trade, are no where .more visible than 
in this river. Towns have been b*urnt, hamlets are 
deserted. In these relics of villages the people sa- 
lute us as we pass by, and make many inquiries. 

" Deong River, Friday, 17 th April, 1818. 

" Will Comberbuss, a fine old man, on whom we 
called a few miles back, expressed a different opi- 
nion : he said " it would be a very good thing for the 
country, if our people would come and bring know- 
ledge ; the land would produce rice, cotton, coffee, 
tobacco, and all good things, but the people did not 
know? 

" We crossed the bay with a fresh wind against 
us, occasionally dashing the waves into the canoe, 
and arrived at our little schooner at 9 p. m., some- 
what weary, wet, and hungry. 

" Sherbro Sound, Saturday, 18th April, 1818. 
«* We sailed from York island eight or ten miles, 
and anchored off Campelar, a little village belonging 
to Mr. Kizell. We saw a brother-in-law, whom Mr. 
K. rescued from foreign slavery at much expense — a 
man of native intelligence and a good aspect. We 
had a tornado to-day. It is a violent gust of wind, 
of short duration, usually attended with rain, light- 
ning, and thunder. 

"Sabbath, A^th April, 1818. 
;s Darkness, gross darkness, covers the nations 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 201 

around us. But this darkness shall be dispelled. The 
sun of righteousness will yet arise upon them, with 
healing in his beams. In this consideration we do 
rejoice, and we will rejoice. 

"Tuesday, 2,1st April, 1818. 
"We have been waiting almost with impatience 
for the king of Fara. We are hoping to finish our 
inquiries, and leave this part of the coast, late in May, 
or early in June, before the rains are fully set in. 
The weather, since our arrival in Africa, has hitherto 
been quite pleasant, except the heat, occasionally 
rather oppressive. The tornado this evening was 
severe ; the wind blew hard a half an hour, and some 
rain fell. We perceive many appearances of distant 
thunder storms, especially towards evening. 

" Wednesday, Tld April, 1818. 

" Our canoe returned this morning with the king 
of Fara. His people were rather unwilling to let 
him leave his town. 

" Should Commissioners of the American Society 
hereafter visit Africa, they should have a ship at 
their command, and a captain well acquainted with 
the coast. They should be furnished with ample 
stores of provisions, and with goods for trade, for 
the purchase of lands, and for presents to the kings. 

" When a place is selected, the lands should be 

cleared to a considerable extent, and some houses 

constructed, before many families removed. This 

could be done under the direction of a few proper 

2 



2Q2 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

persons, employing native labourers. The expense 
would be trifling. 

" Should a colony be established in this part of 
Africa, it remains a question whether it should be 
governed by white men, or whether the people of 
colour will consider themselves competent to self- 
government in the first instance. If Paul Cuffee were 
alive, it might settle the question; but unless a judi- 
cious man of colour can be found, who will secure 
the confidence of all parties, it will be best to have 
a white Governor. Every thing should be done to 
encourage the people of colour to make exertions 
and help themselves. The lands should be kept 
cheap, and easily attainable. Each should become 
a possessor of land, and cultivate his own. 

"In making a purchase of lands, the goods must 
not all be given to one king, but properly apportion- 
ed to all in the vicinity. 

« A canoe with twelve persons, from Bendou to the 
Plantain islands, stopped along-side. Two women 
appeared to be the principal personages. Some of 
the women have very amiable and intelligent faces. 
The Africans generally appear cheerful and happy. 
Some of the canoes will carry forty persons, and sail 
about this bay at all seasons of the year, with entire 
safety. Sometimes they spread a mat for a sail. 
Some use oars, but they generally use paddles. This 
land was once more populous. It is doubtful whe- 
ther the population is now increasing, though the 
proportion of small children is very large. I think 
I never saw so great a proportion of healthy, active 
children in any country. Great numbers of the youth 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 203 

and the middle aged are in foreign lands, while the 
relics of old age, the head men, and throngs of young 
children, are left behind. 

" Fara pretends to be waiting for his principal 
men. He is making inquiries of our interpreters 
respecting our objects. We may well confide in 
their representations : they are faithful men, and 
deeply interested in our success. 

" Fara mentioned to Mr. K. a surprising phenome- 
non, of which he desired an explanation. A large 
tree by a public path, well known to have lain on the 
ground some years, has lately risen up, stands firm 
and erect, and grows green and luxuriant. Mr. K. af- 
ter some consideration, said he thought he could ex- 
plain it. He said, « King Fara, his people, and his 
country, have long been prostrated and lain in the 
dust. They are now beginning to rise, and if they 
encourage these people to come from America, we 
hope they will help to give them wisdom and 
strength." Fara looked grave at the explanation, 
and thought it might be so. 

" Thursday, 23d April, 1818. 
."We had an interview with Fara, and made a 
brief statement of our objects and wishes, which he 
well understood. Rango, the chief speaker, replied 
in a very appropriate manner, " We hear you ; we 
like your words ; may God bless you, give you health 
and long life ; may he bless Kizell, Martin, and the 
Caulkers too, because they were good in coming to 
introduce you. We shall not say much now: Fara, 
you see, is young, a boy j he will stand behind Sher- 



204 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

bro, and will speak the same word as his father. We 
have not talked with Sherbro — you have ; you have 
seen Caulker, Tucker, Soyarrah, &c. — they have of- 
fered you lands : — which do you fancy most ? When 
a man wants a wife, and goes to a father who has 
many daughters, he tells the father which he likes 
best," cVc. We told him that we had not seen all 
parts of the country yet, and were not prepared 
to make a selection ; nor could we let the kings know 
our choice until we should return from our country. 
He said, we " were at liberty to go any where ; the 
country was large, many parts where no people lived 
were very good land — the banks of the Yaltucker 
wore fertile, and had (cw people; the Bagroo coun- 
try was wide and vacant." He thanked us for our 
present, and Mr. K. for bringing us to Sherbro. He 
said he knew we should write all his words in our 
books, so we must hear true and write straight, 
(laying his palaver brush flat and straight on the 
ground.) They said, "it was a custom of their 
country, when strangers came, to pour a little wine 
on the graves of their fathers, and say 4 good 
strangers have come to us, O bless good stran- 
gers,' &c. and they wanted a little wine to pour at the 
root of the tree, once fallen, now standing erect.'* 
We told them their intimation would not be forgot- 
ten ; and having taken an affectionate leave of them, 
we returned on board, and sent them a bottle of 
wine, rather to bedew .their royal lips, than to sprin- 
kle the ashes of their fathers, or irrigate the marvel- 
lous tree. 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 205 

" Mano river, Friday, 2ith April, 1818, 
" We took a canoe to make an excursion up the 
Mano. This branch of the Bagroo is three and a 
half and four fathoms deep. It has low banks about 
two miles, and covered with mangroves, with the ex- 
ception of one place, one mile up, on the right hand. 
Here we stopped to lay the plan of a town. The 
land gradually rises hack twenty-five or thirty feet, 
is sufficiently supplied with stone for building or 
other purposes, and is covered with fine large timber 
of various qualities. The Mano mountain, or a ridge 
of it, terminates abruptly on the left bank just above, 
which adds much to the rude scenery of the spot. 
The ground is hard and dry, covered with six or eight 
inches of vegetable mould. Six miles above, the hills 
on the right bank are cleared to a great extent, for 
rice. The soil did not appear to be deep. On the 
opposite bank stands the village of Mano. Here is 
an abundance of stone convenient for laying the 
foundation of forges, mills, and water works of any 
description. There is an abundance of large, hard 
timber, above the rapids, and along the banks. In- 
deed, the country is a forest. There are evident ap- 
pearances of iron ore in many places. We crossed a 
fine rivulet of very cool and pure water, descending 
from the hill, and flowing over a bottom of gravel and 
sand. We went up the hill to see the rice planta- 
tions. The country back appeared to be high land, 
agreeably undulating, and covered with forest. For 
health and comfort it appears very inviting, though 
the soil is not so fertile, nor so easy of tillage, as on 
the banks, and in the low lands. 



206 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

" On our return, we stopped at M ano. All the 
people in this river appeared most friendly and 
kind. They expressed great satisfaction at our 
words, and eager to see our people come, if they 
would be kind, and bring God's book. We said 
that persons must be sent with our people to esta- 
blish schools for the children, and to instruct the 
people. They said they should be glad. One man, 
whose hair and beard were white with age, said, he 
wished it could be now ; it was much wanted in the 
country — he wished to hear more about God's book 
before he died. It is certainly surprising that there 
should be such a desire among the people to hear 
the book of God, and to have their children instruct- 
ed to read. There is just reason to hope that the 
principles of our holy religion would be embraced 
by many in this country, if they were instructed in 
them. 

" It seems desirable to obtain this country to the 
right of the Mano. It is high and airy. It ex- 
tends back 80 or 80 miles to the Timmannee coun- 
try. It is called a good country by those who have 
travelled over it. A brook is spoken of, which emp- 
ties into the Mano, one or two miles above the ra- 
pids, and extends far into the interior. The whole 
country, after we leave the little villages on the Ma- 
no, has no inhabitants until we reach the Timman- 
nees. Its extent, vacant population, and probable 
fertility, render it highly eligible. To this might be 
added the peninsula, between the Bagroo and Mano 
rivers, which will include the Mano mountain, as the 
other tract does the Perra mountain. These alone 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 207 

form a vacant region of 3000 square miles, and ca- 
pable of supporting, with very moderate culture, a 
population of 20,000. It includes mountains, rivers, 
forests, rapids, and springs of water. The Bagroo 
will admit vessels of a good size to the mouth of the 
Mano ; and the Mano, especially at high tide, or in 
the rainy season, has three and four fathoms water, 
nearly to the rapids, above the village Mano. Ano- 
ther vacant and fertile tract, lies north of the Boom 
river. Perhaps this should be preferred to the other. 
Except where the towns stand, any part of the coun- 
try may be bought in exchange for goods, nearly on 
our own terms. 

"Bagroo River, Saturday, 25th Aprils 1818. 
" We floated up with the tide from the mouth of the 
Mano to the village Tasso, on the left bank, perhaps 
ten miles. As we sailed up we passed two little vil- 
lages on the left, and the Mano mountain on the 
right. This mountain has a very interesting appear- 
ance, covered with forest, having usually a gradual 
ascent, and presenting eligible places for buildings, 
and for small towns, if the soil should prove favoura- 
ble for agriculture. 

* Sabbath, 26th April, 1818. 

"We lay off Tasso. Somango is the head man. 
The village has 30 houses. The people are said to 
be very wicked and superstitious. 

" Mr. K. saw Somango towards evening, and stated 
to him our general objects. He appeared friendly ; 
but he told Mr. K, when strangers came, they gave 



208 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

him wine or rum. Mr. K. said, that slave-traders 
gave rum to make them quarrel and sell each other; 
this was what they wanted : but the strangers he 
had brought, came to open their eyes, and not to 
blind them, and hoped to find and leave them sober, 
that they might be able to give a true answer, and 
speak good words. 

" Bagroo River, Monday, 21th April, 1818. 

"Somango has gone toRobanna,to consult with So- 
logo, and to invite him to Tasso. Sologo is quite 
aged, and is considered the principal man in this 
river. 

44 1 took the boat and went up the Bagroo. Man- 
groves still line the banks. We had conversation 
with a Mr. Wilson, at Liverpool, who is a man of co- 
lour, formerly of Boston, or Baltimore. He is a ship 
carpenter, and came out from Boston to Sierra Le- 
one about four years ago. He said it was best for 
the people of colour, who are now in America, to 
come to this country. He said that houses, built in 
the style of the natives, at 10 or 12 dollars each, 10 
feet by 15 or 20, would be best, just in the infancy of 
the colony. Carpenters, and all mechanics, should 
come from America. If they could not work the 
whole day at first, they could work a part of the day, 
and superintend the business. He said he gave more 
than 100 dollars, at Sierra Leone, for the frame only 
of a small wooden house. The carpenters of Sierra 
Leone charge a dollar a day : three or four of them 
would not do more work in a day than one in the 
United States. He said that one kind of the man- 



REV. SAMUEL J, MILLJ5. 209 

groves hard, tall, and straight, would make very good 
house timber. 

" Mr. K. said that if a place were selected for a co- 
lony, he could see fifty or a hundred acres of land 
cleared in a short time, and houses, constructed in 
the country style, to accommodate the first settlers. 
The expense of clearing the land might be about six 
dollars an acre. 

" The young Mr. J. said that he had travelled through 
theBagroo country to the Timmannees, between two 
and three day's journey, and could strongly recom- 
mend it to us. It was high, supplied with brooks 
and springs, having sufficient stone for building and 
other purposes, and richly covered with forest trees, 
which sufficiently indicated a good soil.— He said 
the Bagroo was the most extensive district in Sher- 
bro, and was without inhabitants. 

" Wednesday, 29th April, 1818. 

" As Somango does not return, and there is no ad- 
vantage arising from a delay at Tasso, we conclude 
to go down the river and call at Robanna, where So- 
mango is now engaged in consultations with Sologo. 

" We have become so far acquainted with the 
country, as to satisfy ourselves that there is much 
good land unoccupied by any people, and that it has 
good water. The climate we believe will be deem- 
ed as temperate as that of any part of the coast be- 
tween the Senegal and the equator. We do not see 
why it may not be a healthy country, as it has moun- 
tains and high ridges of land. The Mano has high 
banks a fesv miles above its mouth, though the Ba- 
2D 



^ltf MKMOIRS OF THE LATE 

groo banks below this are wholly covered with man- 
groves. The ridges of land are open to the sea- 
breeze. Brooks and springs may be found in almost 
any direction. Mills may be erected on the Mano. 

" The natives believe in the existence of a supreme 
God, who is great and good, but indifferent to the 
Concerns of men. It is their concern to secure the 
favour and avert the displeasure of certain inferior 
malignant spirits, whom they imagine to be continu- 
ally attendant on their persons, and to be the authors 
of all their evils. They place great confidence in 
their gregrees or amulets. They have sacred groves, 
trees, and huts. They occasionally strew fruits about 
their towns, or spread mats by the public paths, as 
offerings to the invisible spirits. They sometimes 
make prayers on the graves of their fathers, or under 
their sacred trees. Though they may sometimes 
pay a kind of homage to the supreme God, yet their 
ideas of him are very indistinct. The true light has 
never shone upon them. One who was present the 
other day at our social worship, afterwards said to a 
friend, " that he never knew before that white men 
prayed." 

" These three days Mr. B. has been quite unwell. 
In the afternoon and evening he has a high fever. It 
appears to have been brought on by too much fatigue 
on our excursions up the Deong and Mano rivers, 
and by too great exposure to the sun. He complains 
of severe pains in the head, and general disquietude. 
He has little sound sleep. He certainly needs me- 
dical aid and better attention than we can give him 
on board this little schooner. On his account I am 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 2l\ 

anxious to return directly to Sierra Leone. But he 
thinks there is as fair a prospect of his recovery here 
as at the colony. He considers it very important 
that I should see Sologo and Pa Poosoo, and says a 
slight flush of the fever ought not to prevent it. 

« Friday, 1st May, 1818. 
" Soon after sunrise, we set out in our canoe to go 
up the Baanga as far as Bandasuma, on a visit to Pa 
Poosoo, the head man. Soon after our arrival at 
Bandasuma, we had an interview with Pa Poosoo, 
who expressed great satisfaction with our designs. 
As some of his men whom he wished to consult were 
out of town, he sent for them, and waited for their 
return. It rained very hard late in the afternoon, 
and was cloudy until night. After sunset, having 
consulted with his principal men, Pa Poosoo made 
known to us that he was ready to give us an answer. 
We assembled at the king's house. A wax candle 
was burning in the wall. The king's brother said, 
(in reference to myself and Mr. B., who was unable 
to come with us,) " May God bless you, and as you 
came in health to this country, may you return in 
health to your own. We are glad to hear what you 
say ; we like it well. The old people among us wish 
you had come before. They are now afraid they 
will die too soon. They want to see the time when 
the people will come to this country to teach the 
children to read and write, and to know the true 
God. The king says I must tell you he likes your 
object much ; and if the other kings call him to say 
what is in his heart, he shall say, give the people land. 



:212 MEMOIRS OF THE LATfc 

We know you come with a good mind, because Mr. K 
brings you, and he is a friend to our country. The old 
people will die fools, but if these people come from 
America, the children will turn and know more than 
their fathers. But they were afraid the people would 
not come, and it would never be as they said. There 
was much good land where no people lived." I in- 
quired what part of the country would be best for the 
people when they should come to settle ? They re- 
plied, when a man was looking for a wife, he would 
not like to have another to select for him. They 
asked in return, what part of the country pleased us 
most ? I replied, that we wished to see more of it. 
before we fixed on any part. They afterwards said, 
if they were to choose the place, they would say, 
bring the people to our town. Pa Poosoo is nearly 
70 years old, of a pleasant countenance, and good 
character. We staid over night. More rain fell. 

" Saturday, 2d May, 1818. 
" We prepared to return early. Pa Poosoo thank- 
ed us for our present, and gave us two leopard skins 
in return. We took an affectionate leave of the kind 
old man. His town is pleasantly situated on a point 
of land, formed by the junction of the Banga and 
Bandasuma, and contains 80 cottages. The ground 
js very productive, though the soil does not appear to 
be very rich. It has an abundant growth of trees, 
shrubs, and vines. The Banga has one considera- 
ble branch making off to the left, as we ascended. It 
has also many outlets* or deep muddy creeks, one of 



BET. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 213 

which connects it with the Bagroo, just below the 
mouth of the Mano. 

" Since we left Sierra Leone, we have had land 
offered us by T. Caulker, on the Camaranca ; by J. 
Tucker, on the Boom ; by the king of Cotton, on the 
Deong; by Fara, on the Bagroo, or the Yaltucker; 
and by Pa Poosoo, on the Banga. The Bagroo pre- 
sents one of the best places for the commencement 
of a colony in this part of Africa. It might soon ex- 
tend to the right of the Mano, towards the Perra 
mountains ; and then, if desired, it might have liberty 
to spread back into the interior 50 or 80 miles. The 
country is unoccupied, has good water, is dry, and 
agreeably uneven. 

" We reached our schooner at 10 a. m., and made 
preparations to leave the river. We found that some 
of our crew had been to the oyster bank, and gather- 
ed two boat loads, which were a sufficient quantity 
to supply 10 or 12 men a week. 

" We daily see the smoke of several fires, where 
the natives are clearing the ground for rice. This 
has been a common and a pleasing spectacle while 
we have been in the country. 

"Banana Islands, Tuesday, 5ih May, 1818. 
" Early this morning we called at the Banana isl- 
ands, and restored to Mr. Caulker his messengers, 
who have attended us the whole circuit. The young 
men have behaved well, while they have been with 
us, and one of them has made some progress in the 
first rules of arithmetic. 



214 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

" Sierra Leone, Thursday, 1th May, 1818. 
"We arrived to-day and took lodgings with the 
Rev. Mr. Brown, a worthy Missionary of the Wes- 
leyan Methodist connexion. 

" Sierra Leone, Saturday, 9th May, 1818. 

" I called on Governor Macarthy. He received 
me in a very friendly manner, and offered us any as- 
sistance in his power. He expressed a confidence in 
the benevolent views of the American Society. 

" A Danish ship arrived to-day, having on board a 
nobleman, who was a late Governor of one of the 
Danish forts on the Gold coast. He is now on his re- 
turn from Denmark to his station. 

" We have spent some time with the Rev. Mr. Ay- 
lander, a missionary of the Church Missionary Socie- 
ty, whose name is familiar in the United States. He 
is an intelligent, meek, and devout man. He mourns 
over the ineflicacy of his labours among the natives. 
Tears stood in his eyes while he described the state 
of the people, and spoke of the small fruits which he 
was allowed to witness of the usefulness of his la- 
bours. All the missionaries here are christian men, 
and entitled to the confidence and prayers of good 
people throughout the earth. 

" Captain Appleton sailed to-day to enter upon the 
duties of his office, as commandant of St. Mary's, in 
the Gambia. 

" Sierra Leone, Sabbath, 10th May, 1818. 
" There is a great degree of regularity among the 
people of this place. There does not seem to be any 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 215 

labour on this day, and a large proportion are regu- 
lar attendants on the worship of God. The untracta- 
ble Kroo-men will indeed indulge in their wrestlings 
and other sports on the beach, notwithstanding past 
attempts to check them. I heard a sermon from the 
Rev. Mr. Garnon, the colonial chaplain, and another 
from the Rev. Mr. Brown. There are foundations 
laid for three houses of worship in Freetown. They 
will be constructed of stone, large and durable. 
These edifices and churches, which have been built 
and are building, prove the permanence of the colo- 
ny and are a pledge of its future prospect. 

" Sierra Leone, Tuesday, 10th May, 1818. 
" 1 called on the Danish Governor, and showed 
him Count Schimmelman's letter to us. He esteem- 
ed the objects of our embassy humane, important, 
and adapted to promote the best interests of Afri- 
cans. He did not conceive that colonies of the Ame- 
rican people of colour would, in the least, interfere 
with any existing European establishment ; on the 
contrary, they might aid each other, and combine 
their efforts to civilize and instruct the African na- 
tions. Agriculture and commerce would naturally 
increase with the number of settlements, which had 
these objects in view. He had been on the coast 
five years, and considered the high lands healthy. 
He had been invited by the Bishop of Copenhagen 
to translate the Bible into the language of Acra, and 
he expressed his determination to execute the work, 
which he had already begun ! 



216 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

" Sierra Leone, Monday, 18th May, 1818. 

" I have now visited most of the villages in the co- 
lony. The population of the colony is nearly twelve 
thousand. The schools are in a flourishing state, ac- 
commodating nearly two thousand children. Each 
village has a superintendent, who is a clergyman or 
schoolmaster. Each village has a place of worship, 
where prayers are made, morning and evening, in 
the presence of the people. The sabbath is observ- 
ed through the colony. 

" The Governor is justly esteemed as a father and 
patron of the colony. He makes great exertions for 
its improvement. 

"Respecting an American colony, he has at differ- 
ent times expressed the following opinions, which I 
am the more disposed to write down, as some of them 
deserve particular consideration : That a private so- 
ciety can hardly be expected to have adequate funds 
to found and support a colony without the aid of the 
government : that, in the first instance, white men of 
intelligence and good character should occupy some 
of the principal offices : that the government should 
be mild and energetic : that forts would be necessary : 
that one hundred men, with arms, and some know- 
ledge of discipline, could defend themselves from 
the natives ; that the occasional visits of an armed 
vessel, engaged in detecting slave traders, would give 
entire security ; that the neutrality of a colony could 
easily be ensured by an application to the European 
governments : that the first colonists should be men 
of sober and industrious habits, who will devote 
themselves to agriculture or to some of the useful 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 217 

mechanic arts; that one year's provisions, or the 
means of purchasing them, would be necessary to 
the colonists ; that, if expedient, the limits of this 
colony might be enlarged to accommodate five or ten 
thousand emigrants from America : that it was parti- 
cularly proper for the American government to com- 
mission an armed ship to this coast, to capture slave- 
trading vessels, as two thirds of them are, or have 
been American : that the free people of colour 
would be better situated in Africa, than they are, or 
can soon expect to be, in America. 

" I am every day more convinced of the practica- 
bility and expediency of establishing American co- 
lonies on this coast. 

" Brig Success, Friday, 22d May, 1818.. 
"We have taken an affectionate leave of the cler- 
gymen, the civil officers, and the colonists, of Sierra 
Leone. We are embarked for the United States, by 
way of England, and the continent of Africa recedes 
from our view." 

The preceding journal bears intrinsic evidence of 
unwearied labour and sound judgment in the execu- 
tion of this important agency. The view which the 
Colonization Society entertain of the faithfulness of 
their agents, and the success of their investigations, 
may be gathered from their annual report, in I8J9, 
in which they say, "The recent mission to Africa 
leaves no further room to doubt that a suitable ter- 
ritory on the coast of that continent may be obtained 
for the contemplated colony, at a less expense than 
2 E 



218 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

had been anticipated." It is well ascertained, that 
a colony planted on that coast, is an event earnestly 
desired by the native tribes and chiefs; and there 
is every pledge of security against hostile operations. 
This valuable document likewise states with confi- 
dence, that ** continued assurances have been receiv- 
ed by the Board of Managers, in the last yeer, of the 
readiness of many of the free people of colour in the 
United States to avail themselves of their contem- 
! asylum, whenever a suitable territory for its 
erection shall have been procured. These have pro- 
ceeded from the most enlightened of this class of 
persons, comprehending individuals engaged in all 
the occupations of civil life, dispersed throughout the 
United States, and in sufficient number to form the 
In- of a respectable colony. To these assurances 
have been added the repeated declarations of seve- 
ral proprietors of their readiness to emancipate the 
whole, or a part of their slaves, whenever a suitable 
abode in Africa shall have been provided for them, 
upon condition that they shall repair to it." 

The following communication from a Committee of 
the Colonization Society to Congress, as it presents 
an outline of the object of the Society, and a grateful 
testimonial in favour of a man whose life was sacrific- 
ed to the interest of Africa, the reader will peruse 
with interest. 

" To the Hon. Henry Clay, Speaker of the House of Re- 
presentatives. 
" Sir — In obedience to instructions from the Ameri- 
can Society for Colonizing the Free people of Colour 



REV. SAMUEL 5. MILLS. &J 9 

of the United States, we beg leave to lay before 
Congress some account of the measures pursued by 
the Society for accomplishing the great objects of 
its institution ; and the result of their inquiries and 
researches, after such facts and information as might 
most clearly demonstrate, how far any scheme of co- 
lonization, dependent for its success upon the inte- 
rior state of Africa, and upon the actual condition 
and disposition of her native tribes, might be practi- 
cable, and also enable the founders of the intended 
colony to make the most prudent and judicious selec- 
tion of a situation for it. In order to obtain the most 
recent and accurate information, from sources of the 
most unquestionable authority, the Society sent out, 
at great expense, two agents, Mr. Mills and Mr. Bur- 
gess ; who have proved themselves eminently qualifi- 
ed for the undertaking. The agents first visited En- 
gland, with a view to acquire such preparatory in- 
struction in the most efficacious mode of pursuing 
the objects of their mission, as the great mass of 
rare, valuable, and authentic information collected 
in that country, from various sources, might afford 
them. They proceeded from England to the west coast 
of Africa, where they prosecuted theirresearches with 
such zeal, industry, and intelligence, as to have con- 
tributed essentially to the illustration of many impor- 
tant and interesting facts, connected with the geo- 
graphy, climate, soil, and products, of that part 
of the continent; and with the habits, manners, 
social institutions, and domestic economy of its 
inhabitants. From the information thus obtained, 
the present period would seem to be designated, by 



220 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

a combination of favourable circumstances, as the 
fortunate crisis for reducing to the test of practical 
experiment, these views and objects of the Society, 
which have already met so encouraging a notice from 
Congress : and upon the comprehensive utility and 
beneficence of which (abstracted from any doubts 
of their being susceptible of practical execution) no 
question seems to be entertained in any quarter. 

" The present facilities for acquiring the requisite 
territory from the native tribes, in situations combin- 
ing every advantage of salubrious and temperate cli- 
mate, with fertile soil ; the pacific and humanized 
temper of mind prevailing among these tribes ; their 
existing prepossessions in favour of the expected co- 
lonists from America ; the actual settlement in that 
part of Africa, of some prosperous, intelligent, and 
well disposed emigrants from among the free people 
of colour in this country; and the state of general 
peace, so favourable to enterprises of benevolence 
and utility, wholly unconnected with any political 
schemes of territorial or commercial aggrandize- 
ment; altogether form a conjuncture, which must 
prove decisive of the success of an immediate expe- 
riment. But upon any permanent continuance of so 
favourable a state of things, no human wisdom or fore- 
sight can calculate, w ith any reasonable certainty, if 
the present opportunity be not adequately improv- 
ed. 

" It is now reduced to the single question, whether 
the undertaking shall be adopted and patronized by 
the Government, so as to become essentially nation- 
al in its means and its objects; or whether its ulti- 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 221 

mate success is to depend upon the responsibility 
and exertions of individuals ; whose zeal and perse- 
verance, unsubdued and unabated by difficulty, by 
delay or disappointment, may be surely counted on; 
but whose unprotected exertions and unaided resour- 
ces, whether of power or of capital, must necessarily 
be contingent and precarious, if not in their ultimate 
effect, at least in the acceleration of the results. 

" It is now conceived to be apparent that, with the 
adequate aids and sanction from the government, 
the present generation cannot pass away without 
permanent, practical, and important benefits from 
the experiment — benefits which will be felt equally 
in our social and domestic relations, as in the ad- 
vancement of the great objects of political and inter- 
national morality, connected with the suppression of 
the slave trade : and this nation has ever stood fore- 
most in the most decided and vigorous efforts to abo- 
lish that opprobrious traffic. 

" From the journals kept by the agents of their pro- 
ceedings and personal observations; with an abstract 
of collateral information of unquestionable authenti- 
city and great interest, collected by them from sour- 
ces not frequently accessible to the general reader 
or inquirer; the Society has become possessed of 
many rare and valuable materials, not only for form- 
ing a more accurate judgment of the utility of the 
scheme of colonization, but also for demonstrating 
how flagrantly and notoriously, and with what impu- 
nity, the prohibitory laws of the United States, and 
of other nations, in regard to the slave trade, are 
violated, by their respective citizens and subjects, 



222 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

Some important hints also may be derived from 
these documents, for making the penal sanctions of 
those laws more effectual : and there is good reason 
to conclude, that the establishment of such a colony 
as has been projected by our Society, may prove an 
important and efficient adjunct to the other preven- 
tive checks provided by law. 

" The body of accurate and valuable information, 
thus collected, will be found among the documents, 
which we now beg, Sir, through your kind mediation, 
to present to Congress. 

" We have the honour to be, 
With great respect, 

Your obedient servants, 

E. B. CALDWELL, > 
WALTER JONES, \ Committee. 

F. S. KEY, S 
Washington, Jan. 23d, 1818." 

Who can doubt that the true interests of the 
United States, and especially of the slave holding 
community, are most intimately connected with 
this exalted charity ? If there was no other mo- 
tive than pity for the free people of colour ; a peo- 
ple who enjoy neither the immunities of freemen, 
nor suffer the incapacities of slaves, even this would 
be enough to induce us to say, God speed the noble 
cause ! But when we venture to anticipate the in- 
tellectual, civil, and moral elevation of the whole 
African race ; when we think of the long arrears due 
that ill-fated country from the American people; 
when we inquire for some security against the con- 






REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 223 

tinuance of the most accursed of all traffics — a traffic 
in human blood ; when from the lofty summit of our 
privileges, we survey the desolations of Africa, and 
then the prospects of the age, and the rising glories 
of our Immanuel's kingdom : do there not exist the 
most constraining obligations to restore an outcast 
people — a people " scattered and peeled, meted out 
and trodden under foot," to the land of their fathers, 
and in defiance of its darkness and misery, to ren- 
der that extensive quarter of the globe the favour** 
ed seat of science, civilization, and Christianity ? 



224 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 



CHAPTER X. 



HIS LAST ILLNESS AND DEATH. 



While in Africa, Mr. Mills was exclusively de- 
voted to the objects of his agency ; diligent, unwea- 
ried, watchful, persevering " in season and out of 
season," almost to a fault. How obvious to the eye 
even of a careless observer, that a Divine superin- 
tendance not only raises up and qualifies his agents 
for their work, and affords them the opportunity of 
usefulness, and crowns their efforts with success — 
but that the same invisible and omnipotent energy 
also limits the sphere of their labour ! It is the eco- 
nomy of a wise Providence, if I may so speak, not to 
accomplish too much by the agency of any one man. 
" The Lord of Hosts hath purposed it, to stain the 
pride of all glory." 

Mr. Mills' work was well nigh done. He often, 
appeared much less fitted for earth than heaven. 
Few men were apparently more matured for " the 
glory to be revealed" than he. For several of the 
last weeks of his life particularly, he enjoyed pecu- 
liar manifestations of the Divine glory and favour. 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 225 

Though away from his native shores, burnt by the 
sun, and drenched with the rains of an inhospitable 
clime, that Father of Mercies, who is every where 
present, " put gladness into his heart." After his 
return from Sherbro to Sierra Leone, and while in 
waiting for a passage to England, it was his happi- 
ness to be the guest of the Rev. Samuel Brown, an 
English Missionary from the Methodist connexion, a 
man of an excellent spirit, and who " knew the heart 
of a stranger." Both Mr. Brown and Mr. Burgess 
were led to take notice of the spirituality of Mr. Mills 
during that period, and even to make it the subject 
of private remark. His frame of mind was unusually 
devout. At their stated seasons for prayer, these 
brethren expressed great delight when the duty de- 
volved on him to lead in their devotions, and great 
satisfaction in his peculiar nearness to God, and his 
sweet and delightful views of another world. To 
adopt the sentiment of his colleague, " Notwithstand- 
ing my own apprehensions while in Africa, there was 
something in Mills, while we were at Sierra Leone, 
which left the impression on my mind that he was 
ripe for heaven, and would go before me." 

Having finished his inquiries in Africa, and become 
convinced that he could do no more to promote the 
objects of the American Society, as there was no 
American ship in the vicinity, he improved the only 
opportunity for leaving the coast before the rainy 
season should set in with violence, and took passage 
for London, in the brig Success, on the 22d of May, 
1818. It was a delightful evening when he took his 
final leave of Africa. The sun was just going 
2F 



226 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

down, and the mountains of Sierra Leone appear- 
ed in great majesty and beauty. As he stood on 
the quarter-deck, taking a last glance at unhappy 
Ethiopia, his bosom began to heave with the thoughts 
of home. " We may now," said he to his colleague, 
" be thankful to God, and congratulate each other 
that the labours and dangers of our mission are past. 
The prospect is fair, that we shall once more return 
to our dear native land, and see the faces of our be- 
loved parents and friends." To all human appear- 
ance it was. The ship was good, her accommoda- 
tions were pleasant — the sea air was cool, and the 
latitude toward which they were sailing both agree- 
able and healthful — " But my thoughts are not as 
your thoughts," saith Jehovah, " neither are my ways 
as your ways." What is too vast in the works of 
God for the limited understanding of his people to 
comprehend, they learn to adore ; what is too mi- 
nute for them to discern, they leave to other beings 
who have clearer perceptions ; what is too high for 
them to see, they look at with admiration ; and what 
is too deep for them to fathom, they pass by without 
complaint. 

The health of Mr. Mills before he left the United 
States was slender, having a stricture on the lungs, 
and a dangerous cough. In England he complained 
much of the humidity of the atmosphere, though on 
the Atlantic, and during his residence in Africa, he 
enjoyed excellent health. During the early part of 
the voyage, after he left the coast, (and we have rea- 
son to acknowledge it with grateful admiration,) he 
was employed in transcribing his loose papers, and 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 227 

embodying every thing that was of importance to his 
agency. 

On the evening of June the 5th, two weeks after^ 
he sailed from Sierra Leone, he took a heavy cold, 
became ill, and expressed some apprehensions of 
a fever. The ordinary antidotes were employed 
with apparent success. He sat up daily, read his 
letters, manuscripts and books, and occasionally 
walked on deck. He confined himself to a light, nu- 
tritive diet, and sometimes took a little medicine 
according to his own prescriptions. An irregular 
fever, however, lodged about him, disturbing his rest, 
and sometimes attended with severe pains in his 
head. It was soon evident that he began to de- 
cline. 

On Saturday, the 13th, he sat up a part of the day, 
but was in considerable pain, and very restless. 

On Lord's Day, the 14th, he had little or no fever, 
and was very composed and much refreshed. It was 
a day of high spiritual enjoyment. He conversed 
freely on religious topics, and could not rest satisfied 
without it. His colleague would repeat devotional 
parts of the Psalms, and to these he himself would 
add others with sensible emotion, and indeed ele- 
vated rapture. Too sensibly to those around him, 
this Sabbath was an earnest of an everlasting rest 
near at hand. In the afternoon and evening he was 
in some pain, his thoughts were confused, and a dis- 
tressing hiccup came on, which filled all his fellow 
passengers with alarm. 

On Monday, the 1 5th, he had a restless night : 



228 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

the hiccup was painful, and almost incessant. He 
had still considerable strength, sat up some, and 
even walked across the cabin. 

On Tuesday morning the hiccup abated — he slept, 
with short intervals of wakefulness — and, though his 
strength was gradually declining, he knew those who 
were around him, and gave correct answers to all 
their inquiries. About noon he spoke with some 
freedom, and his sentiments were full of piety and 
trust in God. Death had no terrors. He seemed to 
be looking forward to the immediate presence and 
enjoyment of God in heaven, and to be in constant 
expectancy of that inheritance which is incorrupti- 
ble, undefiled, and that fadeth not away. Between 
2 and 3 p. m. his hiccup ceased. There was no con- 
vulsion — no deep groan — He gently closed his hands 
on his breast, as if to engage in some act of devotion 
— and, while a celestial smile settled upon his coun- 
tenance, and every feature expressed the serenity 
and meekness of his soul, he ceased to breathe. — 
Mark the righteous man, and behold the upright, for 
the end of that man is peace. 

Thus, in the thirty-fifth year of his age, did this 
beloved man close his life of distinguished piety and 
usefulness, and leave Africa and the world to mourn ! 
No monumental marble records his worth — no fra- 
grant dews shall descend upon his tomb. His dust 
sleeps unseen amid the pearls and coral of the ocean, 
and long shall his name swell upon the breeze, and 
be echoed from the wave. As the sun was going 
down, all on board assembled with great seriousness 



RJEV SAMUEL J. MILLS. 229 

—a circle of mourners — when, with painful solemni- 
ty, and tender supplications to the God of Heaven, 
his body was deposited beneath the mighty waters, 
there to rest till that Great Day, when the sea shall 
give up her dead. 



230 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 



CHAPTER XL 



HIS GENERAL CHARACTER, 



From the preceding pages, it will be seen that 
the general character of Mr. Mills is one of no ordi- 
nary elevation. Its real dignity and glory are not 
easily described. No tinsel glare, no meretricious 
ornament confounded the purity of its lustre ; but 
always simple, always uniform, it appeared in grow- 
ing beauty ; and, like the rising light, shone more 
and more unto the perfect day. 

In nothing was he more distinguished from other 
men, and from his brethren in the ministry, than 
his deep and uniform piETy. Few possess more dis- 
interested love to God and man than he ; or have 
given higher demonstrations of its influence in form- 
ing the human character* He was one of those rare 
instances of exalted piety, which owe little to the 
caresses of others, and which shone, not by the 
light of surrounding orbs, but by the flame of hea- 
venly love. There was in his heart, and in his life, 
something more easily explained by reference to the 
higher exercises of religion, and the influences ©f 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 231 

the Spirit of God, than by any knowledge of human 
nature, or observation of ordinary piety. There was 
a constancy and uniformity of christian affection, 
which, to an unusual degree, adorned his character 
with the "beauty of holiness." 

None that knew him will question that he possess- 
ed a most heavenly mind. There appeared to be 
nothing in his heart, and certainly there was nothing 
in his life, that evinced an attachment to the wealth, 
or honours, or enjoyments of earth. That " love of 
gold," which tarnishes the character of so many who 
profess to have "their treasure in heaven," and which 
does not leave untarnished the reputation of many 
an ambassador of the cross, seemed to have no ac- 
cess to his bosom. He lived as though he was " a 
stranger and pilgrim" on the earth, and had nothing 
to expect, except from above. 

He was eminently a man of prayer. He appear- 
ed to take great delight in this exercise. On com- 
mon occasions he said but little : but he conversed 
with God. In every recurrence of doubt or difficul- 
ty, prayer was his resort and his relief. His freedom 
in this exercise, was equalled only by the fervency 
and disinterestedness of his petitions. There were 
some observable peculiarities in his devotions, and 
that not only in those that were public, but those 
that were merely social, and of a more private kind. 
He seldom prayed much for himself: but the burden 
of his desires seems to have been for others. I weep 
with joy, when I read in one of his last letters to 
his father, "Long may you live to pray for Zion!" 
Some of his friends will recollect, with much satis- 



232 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

faction, the prominent place which the person, and 
mediation, and government, and glory of the Redeem- 
er were wont to hold, in his addresses to the mercy- 
seat. In all his devotions also he imbibed the habit 
of presenting the object of his present desires, with 
almost exclusive urgency. That which lay with most 
weight upon his heart, and predominated in his con- 
versation, was the principal, and often the only sub- 
ject of his entreaties. In a recent communication, 
the father of Mr. Mills remarks : " One thing notice- 
able, with regard to my son, is this : — that he won- 
derfully succeeded in every benevolent plan he de- 
vised and became engaged in, so far as my know- 
ledge extends, without being frustrated in any in- 
stance. The thought hath turned on my mind, whe- 
ther this consideration does not afford abundant evi- 
dence that he was in the habit of committing all his 
concerns to providence, and seeking God's aid and 
guidance in every measure he pursued." There are 
plans of benevolence which bear no relation to the 
closet, and which flow from no other motives than 
those which might dwell in the bosom of a virtuous 
heathen. Another day will show how far they fall 
short of what God requires and approves. What 
Mr. Mills proposed seemed to be suggested and ma- 
tured by prayer; and flowed from the elevated and 
holy sentiments originating at the throne of grace, 
and aiming at the glory of God. In the duty of pray- 
er Mr. Mills greatly abounded. Beside many days 
of fasting and prayer, unknown to others, unless by 
accident, he often invited a small Society at Ando- 
ver, of which he was the founder, to set apart a day 



REV. SAMUEL J. MJLLS. 233 

for that purpose. One of his intimate friends, and a 
member of this Society, remarks : " Often have I met 
him in the fields, or in the woods, absorbed in medi- 
tation, or lost and overcome in communion with 
God. Sometimes when I have called on him in the 
morning, with a view to some engagements previous- 
ly contemplated, something in the conversation would 
awaken in him an insurmountable desire to devote 
the day to fasting and prayer." 

One of the charms of Mr. Mills' character was his 
unfeigned humility. His modesty and unobtrusive- 
ness concealed his excellence from vulgar observa- 
tion. His most intimate companions felt that the 
world knew him not. He loved what he conceived 
to be a kindred spirit; and would sometimes unbo- 
som himself in such a manner as to make his auditor 
blush and be silent. Among the few occasions on 
which he was ever known to advert to the wonder- 
ful results which God had been pleased to bring 
about through his instrumentality, was an interview 
with Mr. Burgess, on the afternoon of a Sabbath, 
while on their voyage from England to Africa. They 
were alone in the cabin ; but to be more secure from 
interruption, Mr. Mills invited Mr. Burgess into his 
state-room. With a mind evidently burdened, and 
wishing to unbosom itself, he said something of the 
nature of their embassy to Africa, and of the propri- 
ety of their possessing a more perfect knowledge of 
each others' history, views, and hopes. In the course 
of the conversation he was led to speak of the 
course of divine providence toward him, and the 
operation of divine grace upon his heart While 
2 G 



234 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

remarking on the imperfect evidences of his perso- 
nal piety, and the usual lowness of his spiritual enjoy- 
ments, he wept. Supposing his mind to be rather in a 
state of depression, Mr. Burgess alluded to his life and 
exertion for the cause of the Redeemer, as affording 
to his friends a better testimony of the power of reli- 
gion, than any which he himself could otherwise give. 
This brought into view what God had done by his 
instrumentality, and the important part which he 
had been called to act, in giving existence to some 
of the great systems of benevolent exertion which 
bless our land, and do honour to the christian name. 
Mr. Mills replied, that from the time he began his 
education, it had been his uniform desire, and the 
extent of his ambition, to sit down in some obscure 
corner of the earth, where he might adore the sove- 
reign grace of God, and instruct a few who were pe- 
rishing for lack of knowledge, in the knowledge of 
the only Saviour. He continued to weep much, and 
said that this retirement was still his desire and hope. 
His friend remarked that divine Providence had 
marked out his path, and qualified him for his work ; 
and if his life should be protracted, he should be 
grateful for the opportunity of still more extensive 
services. Here Mr. Mills made some efforts to give 
utterance to his feelings ; but the deep self-abase- 
ment, the tears of gratitude, the admiration of God's 
goodness, with which he spake, were such as never 
to be forgotten. To adopt his friend's representa- 
tion, " he appeared to be broken in heart, to annihi- 
late himself, and to be unable ever again to look on 
the face of man." Such was the impression of this 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 235 

Interview upon the mind of his companion, that 
though he thought he had long been acquainted with 
the excellence of his friend, he saw that he had been 
a stranger to it till then ; and though he had had 
great evidence of his humility, he never witnessed 
such lowliness in any individual before. What a les- 
son to the great mass of men, to see such a man 
overwhelmed with abasing views of his own vileness ? 
It is truly affecting to hear Samuel J. Mills say, ;; I 
many times fear that I shall yet be dashed in pieces as 
a vessel in which the Master has no pleasure." 

More than in most other examples, the real digni- 
ty and glory of Mr. Mills' character consisted in simple 
benevolence. He went about doing good. His high- 
est delight appeared to be in doing the will of God. 
As it was in this that he abounded, and was indefati- 
gable, so it was in this that he enjoyed the highest 
satisfaction. It was to him the most pleasant thing 
in the world to " be about his Father's business." 
He sought not his own, but the things that are Jesus 
Christ's. It is but justice to say, that our admiration 
of his character is not divided between his benevo- 
lence, and a multitude of other more splendid, but 
less useful qualities. After all that affection can say 
for his memory, his benevolence was that which most 
distinguished him. In this one quality he stands for- 
ward, and commands our admiration and love. 
When contemplating the main projects of benevo- 
lence, in which this eminently useful man was engag- 
ed, we are not to forget that he was a preacher of 
the everlasting gospel, — instant in season and out of 
season, to inculcate its doctrines, and enforce its ob- 



236 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

ligations in their purity and power. At onetime, he 
was pointing out to some Society an important mis- 
sionary station ; at another, he was procuring some 
useful sermon, or tract to be printed and circulated ; 
at another, he was visiting some hospital or prison, 
and there distributing the Bible, or dispensing the 
word oflife from his own lips. Every place he visit- 
ed, every person he saw, furnished him the opportuni- 
ty of doing or obtaining some good, which he knew 
how to improve, and seldom failed of improving. 
His singleness of heart carried him forward, though 
silently and unheeded by the votaries of fame, yet 
with a sure and steady progress. 

Nor was his benevolence often, if ever, defeated 
by rashness or imprudence. He possessed no small 
degree of judgment and discrimination. The wis- 
dom of the serpent was scarcely less conspicu- 
ous in him, than the innocence of the dove. Eagerly 
as he was bent upon the accomplishment of his 
work, perhaps he has not been known to go forward 
at the expense of practical wisdom. He seldom 
failed to give proof of the superiority of his dis- 
cretion, in pointing out the means of operation, in 
enlisting and combining extraneous agency, and in 
selecting the agency best adapted to his purpose. 
There was a wonderful adaptation to times, and pla- 
ces, and men, in his topics of conversation. He seem- 
ed to know almost intuitively on what subjects any 
particular individual could give him information, or 
could be profited by information he had to give. 
When his object required the co-operation of great 
men, he wrought upon them through the medium of 



RSV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 237 

their own thoughts and impressions rather than his, 
and gained the conquest without betraying the pow- 
er. He carried his measures, rather by his pru- 
dence, his perseverance, and by the various means he 
brought to bear on any particular project, and which 
he kept concealed from the public eye, than by a 
show of commanding talent, or personal address. 
Indeed, he himself seemed unconscious of his influ- 
ence, because the exertion of it was always subordi- 
nate to noble ends. 

It is hardly necessary to add, that with this benevo- 
lence and practical wisdom, he was not destitute of 
great energy of mes t d and action. Whether in intel- 
lectual endowments he was superior to the great 
mass of mankind, some who loved him may have been 
disposed to question. But if a mind teeming with 
plans, and those the most extended and judicious ; if 
a life accomplishing a greater amount of good than 
has fallen to the lot of most of the greatest, and the 
best to accomplish, be evidence of greatness, Mr. 
Mills was great. Of no man may it with greater 
truth be said, that the resources of his mind were 
known only to those who were intimate with his 
heart ; and were perhaps, fully appreciated by few 
even of them. They were not developed upon set 
occasions, or by studied effort ; but brought out as 
the objects for which he lived required them, and 
were never found unequal to the emergencies of a 
career so extraordinary and illustrious, and a life so 
full of labours and events as his. The propriety 
of his appointment to Africa was, in the first instance, 
questioned by some who knew him only by a little 



238 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

personal intercourse, and who did not know that un- 
der the appearance of something like indifference 
and inertness, was concealed an activity of mind, a 
resource in the adoption of means, and an immutabi- 
lity of purpose, which nothing could divert or dis- 
courage. I have seen men who could devise for a 
section of the church, and for a kingdom; but I 
never saw a man who, from the extent of his infor- 
mation and the correctness of his judgment, could 
devise so well, so benevolently for a world. And 
he knew not only how to devise, but how to execute. 
He was not only the author of those plans which 
marked the course of his own exertions, but ever 
fruitful of the details requisite to their accomplish- 
as ment, and foremost to perceive and obviate the ob- 
jections which might be raised against them, as well 
in every enterprise, to set an example of steady, labo- 
rious zeal. He was not inspired by a bright and glow- 
ing genius; he affected no mere accomplishments 
of manners, or of mind; he made no pretensions 
to high attainments in science ; he possessed no elo- 
quence but that of a benevolent heart, every where 
breathing through an energetic mind, and consecrat- 
ed to the most sacred cause. 

Another very observable trait in the character of 
Mr. Mills, was his liberality of sentiment towari> 

CHRISTIANS OF DIFFERENT DENOMINATIONS. He WaS in- 
deed very far from being an advocate for that latitu- 
dinarian liberality and modern Catholicism, which 
make no distinction between essential and unessential 
doctrines, and which yield their confidence to every 
class of errorists without discrimination. Few men 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 239 

understood and loved the important doctrines of 
the gospel better than he, or were more willing to 
bear their proportion of the contempt and reproach 
attached to a firm adherence to the truth. 

But while he understood and loved the truth, he 
manifested great candour and forbearance toward 
those whose prejudices or whose ignorance led them 
to the adoption of views in some respects different 
from his own. He took great pains to cultivate har- 
mony among different sects and denominations of 
christians, as well as different parties of the same de- 
nomination. He had long been convinced that good 
men attach too much importance to principles in 
which they differ, and not enough to those in which 
they agree. He used often to say, that he found 
pious men in all denominations, and all parties ; and 
enjoyed high satisfaction in holding fellowship with 
christians of every name. 

The habits of his life were well adapted to the 
cultivation of these generous and delightful senti- 
ments. In his pity for heathen lands, he could hard- 
ly have patience to be obstructed in his progress by 
the unessential points of difference which agitat- 
ed churches that had long enjoyed the blessings of 
the great salvation. Whatever may have been his 
views of their importance in some departments of 
christian duty, he always lost sight of them when 
they appeared to come in competition with extend- 
ed plans for the advancement of the Redeemer's 
Kingdom. Presbyterians and Congregationalists, 
Episcopalians, Methodists, and Baptists, all gave 
him their hearts as a christian, and have been 



240 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

known to open their pulpits to him as a minis- 
ter of the gospel. He lived and died as though 
the salvation of the heathen was an object impor- 
tant enough to unite the thoughts and affections, 
the prayers and labours of the great family of 
believers throughout the world ; and to the everlast- 
ing abjuration of all that party spirit, those nar- 
row prejudices, and those sleepless jealousies which 
have so long disturbed the tranquillity of the Church. 
When shall the spirit of mutual animosity and crimi- 
nation be superseded and eradicated by the irrepres- 
sible desire to glorify God, and see him glorified in 
the conversion of the world ! O that the season of 
chilling alienation had gone by — that " the winter 
were past, and the rain were over and gone ; that 
the time of the singing of birds were come, and the 
voice of the turtle were heard in our land!" — But I 
forget my theme. 

Such was Samuel J. Mills. But I must forbear 
saying more of one, who was ever reluctant to speak 
or to hear of himself, and seek rather to possess 
than publish his virtues. 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS 241 



CONCLUSION, 



T«e writer has thus discharged a duty, for which 
he has felt no small degree of incompetence, but in 
the performance of which he has received no small 
degree of comfort and instruction. Who can sur- 
vey the leading events of such a life, and the promi- 
nent excellencies of such a character, without being 
alternately humbled for his own deficiencies, and 
animated to more vigorous exertion ? A career so 
illustrious, may well excite every reflecting man to 
" forget the things that are behind, and press forward 
to those that are before." 

If there is one sentiment which a view of this de- 
voted man's exertions is calculated to impress more 
deeply than another, it is the practicability of accom- 
plishing a great amount of good in one short life. 
In adverting to the preceding pages, we involun- 
tarily give way to the exclamation, What cannot 
one man accomplish! Without resources, without 
vigorous health, without fame, and with only a heart 
devoted to God, how much may be effected in one 
short life ! — When we hear an obscure licentiate of 
the gospel ministry, with modest intrepidity, address- 
ing one of his brethren in language like this, "Though 
2H 



242 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

you and I are very little beings, we must not rest sa- 
tisfied until our influence is felt to the remotest cor- 
ner of this ruined world;" we may well blush, and be 
ashamed that we know no more how to make the 
most of human life. 

Men are not apt enough to lay out their plans for 
extended action. In this respect, how much wiser 
are the men of the world, in their generation, than 
the children of light ? How magnificent the plans, 
how unwearied the watchfulness, how persevering 
the efforts after worldly aggrandizement ? How ar- 
dent the hopes, how inspirited, how confident the ex- 
pectation of men in the eager pursuit of the meat 
that perisheth, and. the crown that fadeth away? Ah, 
what a weight of reproach falls upon the head of that 
Christian who can quietly see the interests of his Mas- 
ter's kingdom languish for the want of determined 
exertion ? " Expect great things — attempt great 
things" — should be the sacred and unalterable 
motto of men in every department of active labour, 
who have consecrated themselves to Jesus Christ. 
If a pagan could adopt the maxim, " Nothing is 
too difficult to be accomplished by mortals," with 
what confidence may a Christian say, "I can do 
all things through Christ strengthening me ?" — 
If lie pursues an object replete with responsibility ; 
he also has encouragement peculiar to himself, 
and resources which the world knows not of. He 
may have a deep impression of his own weakness 
and insufficiency; but why should he not have 
strong confidence in the sufficiency of promised 
grace ? Why should he not let go his own weakness, 



EEV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 243 

and take hold of divine strength ? Why should he 
not be " strong in the Lord, and in the power of his 
might ?" Nay, why may he not " glory in his infir- 
mity, that the power of Christ may rest on him ?" 

Under the influence of the example which this 
volume presents, who is there that will not be 
awake to the demands of duty, and begin to enjoy 
the exalted satisfaction of consecrating his undi- 
vided heart and life to a cause greater than his 
own, and that with pious zeal and intense applica- 
tion ? What are a few years of labour and fatigue, 
a few scenes of suffering and sorrow- — what is one 
short life of self-denying, humble, prayerful, patient 
exertion, for an object so immeasurably important as 
the glory of God in the salvation of men ? Should 
one solitary Christian, at the close of these pages, 
institute the solemn inquiry, How shall I make the most 
of human life ? they will not have been written in 
vain. 

In making up his judgment on so momentous an 
inquiry, no man, at the present age of the world, can 
satisfy his conscience, without taking into the ac- 
count the grand objects to which the subject of this 
narrative was so successfully devoted. There is a 
mighty work yet to be accomplished for the redemp- 
tion of fallen men. Though a few sections of the 
globe have been delivered from their galling mana- 
cles, whole kingdoms are to the present hour in 
the " bonds of iniquity." " Darkness covereth the 
earth, and gross darkness the people." According 
to the most judicious calculations, the population of 



244 memoirs or THE late 

the earth may be computed at eight hundred mil- 
lions. Of these there are 

In Asia, 500,000,000 

Africa, 90,000,000 

Europe, 180,000,000 

America, 30,000,000 

Total, 800,000,000 

The proportion of these who bear the Christian 
name, has been judged to be, 

In Asia, 2,000,000 

Africa, . . 3,000,000 

Europe, 177,000,000 

America, 18,000,000 

In all 200,000,000, 

leaving six hundred millions who are destitute of the 
gospel. Let any man whom " the day spring from 
on high hath visited," survey these regions of dark- 
ness and death without emotion, if he can. Eigh- 
teen hundred years have passed away since the 
blood of propitiation was shed for the sins of the 
world, and three-fourths of the world are at the pre- 
sent hour ignorant of the stupendous sacrifice. The 
single empire of China contains more immortal be- 
ings, than there are expectants of a happy immor- 
tality on the face of the whole earth. 

Who is not covered with confusion, who is not 
filled with horror, when he contemplates the va- 
lue of one deathless soul, and ventures to unco- 
ver those dark regions, where the " god of this 
world," whose despotism is so relentless, holds 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 245 

so large a portion of the human family in abject 
and hopeless bondage ? Is it so, that there are now 
on the earth six hundred millions of men, who are 
"children of disobedience and wrath" — six hun- 
dred millions, who are " crowding the habitations of 
cruelty" — six hundred millions, with no assurance of 
an hereafter — without a God — without a Providence 
— without a Saviour — " without holiness," and " with- 
out hope," groping their way through this world, and 
unmoved only when they can banish all apprehen- 
sion of the next ? O that my head were waters, and 
mine eyes a fountain of tears ! One would think 
there were enough in the contemplation of pagan 
pollution and wretchedness, to prove an effectual 
excitement to missionary exertion. Where is that 
zeal for the honour of God, that abhorrence of 
human impiety, that compassion for the souls of men, 
which are at all commensurate with the mighty consi- 
derations that ought to call them into action? If 
it is not an idle dream, that all who die in their sins 
must sink into an eternal hell ; why is not the heart 
of Christendom penetrated with grief and sor- 
row for pagan lands ? Why is there no more love 
for the poor heathen? Will the churches never 
awake from this guilty slumber, and commence the 
work of publishing the gospel to every creature ? 

If the world we inhabit is not under the obscure 
dominion of chance, but the direction of a wise and 
holy Governor, a new era is one day to open upon 
the earth. Moralists have taught, and poets have 
sung, that this iron age is to pass away, and notwith- 
standing this dreadful perspective, that the golden 



246 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE 

age of light and love is yet to stretch its splendours 
from pole to pole. From infinitely higher authority 
too we know, that the Mediatorial Prince is on the 
throne, and that " He shall have dominion from sea 
to sea, and from the river to the ends of the earth. 
The heathen are his inheritance, and the uttermost 
parts of the earth are for his possession. All the ends 
of the earth shall remember and turn unto the Lord." 
Nor is it difficult to see that these predictions are in 
a train of accomplishment. Long as the event has 
been delayed, long as the prince of darkness has 
reigned almost without molestation ; the kingdom of 
Christ even now begins to extend its authority, and 
the glories of that kingdom to look toward their con- 
summation. Within these last eight and twenty 
years, God has been bringing into view, more dis- 
tinctly than ever, his own omnipotent hand, in go- 
verning the world for the sake of the church. The 
earth is helping the woman ; kings begin to be fos- 
ter-fathers, and queens foster-mothers, to the daugh- 
ter of Zion; and good men and bad are combining 
their energies for the sacred cause of God's dear 
Son. 

Who then will not come up to the help of the 
Lord against the mighty ? Is it not high time that 
every man, who ventures to look toward the sacred 
ministry, should seriously ponder, whether it may not 
possibly be his duty to live and die among the hea- 
then ? Go, devoted youth — take your Saviour's last 
command, and spread it before you ; and before 
you decide on your destination for the present 
world, set apart one day of fasting and prayer, with 



REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS. 247 

a view to ascertain your duty to God and your fel- 
low-men, in this vast concern ? Is it not high time 
for every sober christian to consider himself as an 
agent for the kingdom of Christ among the heathen, 
and under the highest obligation to consecrate him- 
self in a thousand ways to this all-important service ? 
Go, consecrated disciple — employ to the utmost, 
and on every occasion, every degree of influence you 
possess, and all the means in your power, to diffuse 
the missionary spirit, and plant Immanuel's standard 
on every land. Is it not high time for every ration- 
al man to say, I lay it down as a maxim of my life, 
and will hereafter regard it as one of the principles 
of my conduct, that the world is to be converted to 
Christ? 



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